a festival at Thebes, the same as that call- ed Heraclia. It was instituted in honour of Hercules and his friend Iolas, who assisted him in conquering the hydra. It continued during several days, on the first of which were offered solemn sacrifices. The next day horse-races and athletic exercises were exhibited. The following day was set apart for wrestling; the victors were crowned with garlands of myrtle generally used at funeral solemnities. They were sometimes rewarded with tripods of brals. The place where the exercises were exhibited was called Iolaium; where there were to be seen the monument of Amphitryon and the cenotaph of Iolas, who was buried in Sardinia. These monu- ments were crowned with garlands and flowers on the day of the festival.

Vol. XI. Part I.