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.
| ISBN: | 9780199602698 |
| Publication date: | 14th June 2012 |
| Author: | Nigel Lecturer in Classics at the University of Cambridge, and Fellow and Director of Studies in Classics at Emmanuel Spivey |
| Publisher: | Oxford University Press |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Pagination: | 310 pages |
| Genres: |
Ancient history European history Olympic and Paralympic games Track and field sports, athletics |