The deal was that the winner could treat the defeated party any way he wanted. Since the contest was judged by the Muses Marsyas naturally lost and was flayed alive in a cave near Calaenae in Phrygia for his hubris to challenge a god. His blood turned into the river Marsyas. There are several versions of the contest; according to some Marsyas was departing as victor when Apollo turning his lyre upside down played the same tune. This was something that Marsyas could not do with his flute. According to another version Marsyas was defeated when Apollo added his voice to the sound of the lyre. Marsyas protested arguing that the skill with the instrument was to be compared and not the voice. However Apollo replied that when Marsyas blew into the pipes he was doing almost the same thing as himself. The Muses found Apollo's claim to be the most just leading to his victory ___________________________ Contest of Apollo and Marsyas Mantineia reliefs late 4th cent. Athens: Nat'l. Mus.