Hysplex

Hysplex ( _el. ὕσπληγξ) is a starting gate used in ancient Greek horse and foot races. This device was set up at the starting line and comprised of an upright vertical bar that held a horizontal gate attached to it held up by a string. Each racer stood behind his own hysplex and all of the strings were centrally connected behind the runners held by a referee. At the start of the race, the referee let go of all the strings and consequently the starting gates fell at the same time releasing the runners.

References

* http://www.uh.edu/engines/epi1565.htm
* http://ablemedia.com/ctcweb/glossary/glossaryh.html
* http://www.archaeology.org/online/features/olympics/stadia.html
* http://www.ucpress.edu/books/pages/8653.html