Timanthes of Cleonae

For the ancient painter, see Timanthes.

Timanthes of Cleonae (Ancient Greek: Τιμάνθης) was an ancient victor of the Pankration from Cleonae.^[1][2] A statue of him was created by Myron.^[2]

Ancient sources wrote that when he retired from athletics he continued to test his strength by drawing a great bow every day. His practice with the bow was interrupted during a period when he was away from home. When he returned, he was no longer able to bend the bow. Because of that he lit a fire and threw himself alive into it.^[1][2] Pausanias wrote that according to him this should be regarded as an act of madness rather than of courage.^[2] Suda also wrote what Pausanias believed.^[1]