Gymnasium

2 Macc. iv.GYMNASIUM, a place of exercise, so called, because people exercised themselves there naked. Gymnos or Gumnos in Greek signifies naked¹. The Greeks were passionately fond of theatrical exercises, which were performed by men either quite naked, or very near being so; whether the particular exercise were wrestling, running, quoits, shooting, &c. These inclinations they carried with them into the East, and introduced these Sports and Exercises in the several places which they conquered. The people who were subdued by them, desiring to imitate their masters, addicted themselves to the same diversions, and endeavoured to distinguish themselves in the same exercises. Jason having introduced these novelties at Jerusalem, and built a Gymnasium, or place of exercise, many of the Jews were observed to give themselves up intirely to these Sports, and to imitate in every thing the customs of the Heathens; and despising what was thought honourable in their own Country, endeavoured to excel in such things only as were in esteem among the Greeks. The very Priests neglecting the Duties of their Ministry, and the Sacrifices of the Temple, run after these exercises, and were ambitious of obtaining the Prizes, which were the rewards of such as were most successful. This we learn from the Author of the second Book of Maccabees.

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