The Philosophical Approach to Wrestling from Antiquity to the Present

Wrestling, as one of the oldest forms of human confrontation, transcends the narrow realm of physical contest and emerges as a symbol of the cultural, social, and philosophical dimensions of human existence. This study examines wrestling through the lenses of philosophy, history, and anthropology, tracing its development from the ancient Greek city-states and mythology to contemporary cultural and philosophical perspectives. The concept of struggle is explored as a means of self-knowledge and identity formation, while the relationships between the body, power, and social reality are analyzed. Drawing on a wide range of sources and philosophical traditions, the article highlights the enduring significance of wrestling as a phenomenon that reflects the deeper contradictions and challenges of human life.