A tremendous cestus found in Hereulaneum, was composed of several thicknesses of raw hide fastened together and rounded on the edge. Holes were, cut through for the fingers, and the thumb overlapped the side.
It is evident from this cestus that there were no "straight blows" in Greek boxing when it was used. A "straight counter" would obviously break the striker's fingers, for the striking point is inside the raw-hide plates. This cruel boxing glove could only have been used for round blows, or for the absurd old English blow called "the chopper," which was delivered by the back of the hand in an outward and downward swing.
THE ROUND CESTUS.
Here (as Greek art tells us) is the form of cestus used by Pollux, one of the twin brothers who "fought their way like Hercules himself to a seat on Mt. Olympus."
These twins, the Dioscuri, presided over all Greek games. Castor being the god of equestrianism, Pollux the god of boxing.
