palaestras were often located near or were attached to gymnasiums. the gymnasium probably first appeared in the sixth century bc. both were often referred to simply as "the gymnasium". greek historian, biographer, and essayist plutarch writes that a palaestra was used solely for wrestling and the "pankration", a sport similar to but much rougher than wrestling. boxing was taught and practiced in the gymnasium. retired athletes owned and operated small palaestras. greek males of all ages joined palaestras. elderly (old) men sometimes had their own palaestras.