bomonikes

BOMONI´KES(βωμονίκης). The Spartan youths, in remembrance of an old religious ceremony, used to be scourged at the altar of Artemis Orthia or Orthosia, a custom maintained even in the days of Pausanias (Paus. 3.16.11). He who held out longest under the scourging was βωμονίκης. It was esteemed a great honour (ἐν τοῖς μάλιστα ἐπιδοξός ἐστι, Plut. Inst. Lac. 239, 32), and is mentioned as such in inscriptions (C. I. G. 1364).

(βωμονίκης). Among the rigorous exercises to which the Spartan youths were subjected was a scourging before the altar of Artemis Orthia or Orthosia. He who held out longest under the scourging was styled Bomonikes—a great honour. See Plutarch, Inst. Lac. 239, 32.