The Ancient Olympics

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Nigel Spivey (Lecturer in Classics at the University of Cambridge, and Fellow and Director of Studies in Classics at Emmanuel College)

The Ancient Olympics

Nigel Spivey (Lecturer in Classics at the University of Cambridge, and Fellow and Director of Studies in Classics at Emmanuel College)

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English

Oxford University Press
14 August 2012

History; European history; Classical history & classical civilisation; Olympic games; Track & field sports, athletics

The word 'athletics' is derived from the Greek verb 'to struggle for a prize'. After reading this book, no one will see the Olympics as a graceful display of Greek beauty again, but as war by other means.

Nigel Spivey paints a portrait of the Greek Olympics as they really were - fierce contests between bitter rivals, in which victors won kudos and rewards, and losers faced scorn and even assault. Victory was almost worth dying for, and a number of athletes did just that. Many more resorted to cheating and bribery. Contested always bitterly and often bloodily, the ancient Olympics were not an idealistic celebration of unity, but a clash of military powers in an arena not far removed from the battlefield.

By: Nigel Spivey (Lecturer in Classics at the University of Cambridge and Fellow and Director of Studies in Classics at Emmanuel College)
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 196mm, Width: 131mm, Spine: 17mm
Weight: 336g
ISBN: 9780199602698
ISBN 10: 0199602697
Publication Date: 14 August 2012
Audience: College/higher education , Further / Higher Education
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Reviews for The Ancient Olympics

`Review from previous edition Review from previous edition Excellent... fascinating background reading for anyone planning to watch Athens 2004.' Sunday Times `Spivey's prose is always full of flavour and The Ancient Olympics must rate as one of the most enjoyable and intelligent books about the ancient Greeks currently on the market.' James Davidson, Daily Telegraph `Absorbing... crammed with information about the sporting events themselves' The Spectator `For the real story of the Olympics this is the ideal read: a very lively look at the games from ancient to modern.' Publishing News `Spivey is an ideal companion for this fine journey through Greece - past and present. We find out what Olympia represented in Antiquity and how the Olympics have become a part of the Western psyche.' Bettany Hughes, historian and presenter of The Spartan and Seven Ages of Britain