The Ysplix was a starting mechanism used during the Olympic Games and other events in Classic Greece.
It was a special mechanism to control the simultaneous starting of race horses, or racers. Already in use by 344 BC, it was a system, positioned at the race start point, in front of the racers, to avoid early starts. It consisted of vertical wooden pales and twisted animal nerves.
Sources from Greek language:
- http://www.tovima.gr/print_article.php?e=B&f=12386&m=B02&aa=2
- http://www.enet.gr/online/online_print?id=71032708
- http://www.mythologia.8m.com/ptisi.html