A Greek Panathenaic black-figure amphora (amphorae filled with olive oil as prizes for the victors of the Athenian Games) with boxers, attributed to the Antimenes painter. The vase depicts a boxing match: the athletes, exchanging punches, are wearing meilichai (gloves), soft leather bands to protect their hands. On the left is the referee-judge, the hellanodikai, with a special whip, the rhabdoi, to ensure compliance with the rules; on the right, a boxer holds the leather bands used to prepare the gloves. On the opposite side of the vase is the goddess Athena, protector of the city, armed with a spear and shield, between two Doric columns surmounted by roosters, symbols of competitive combat and warfare, representing areté, virtuous excellence. The amphora dates to 520 BC and is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.