In the year 393 A.D., the Roman Emperor Theodosius I issued an edict that outlawed all pagan festivals, including Pankration. There is evidence that Pankration continued in some shape or form until the sixth century, though in an underground setting.

When was pankration removed from the Olympics?

They were abolished in A.D. 393 by the Emperor Theodosius, a Christian who saw the worship of Zeus throughout the games as a pagan abomination.

Is pankration still a sport?

Does Pankration still exist? Whilst Pankration is originally a sport entered into the Greek Olympic Games in 648 BC, a modern-day version of Pankration does still exist. Today, Pankration competition occurs in the World Combat Games and promotions like Modern Fighting Pankration with adjustments to the rules.