In the Greco-Roman world stadiums were used for athletic contests including running races (compare Acts 20:24; Gal 2:2; Phil 2:16; 2 Tim 4:7; etc.) wrestling, boxing (1 Cor 9:26–27), discus and javelin throwing and other spectacles.
Note how the writer of the book of Hebrews (12:1) writes "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
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On 8 May 2007 the Hebrew University announced that Ehud Netzer had discovered the long sought tomb of Herod the Great at the Herodium that is located 7.5 mi. [12 km.] south of Jerusalem.
According to the Jewish historian Josephus, Herod the Great was buried here: Wars. 1.33.9 [670-673], Ant. 17.8.3 [196-199].
