Author(s): Robin Waterfield

History

The story of the ancient Olympic Games, held in honour of Zeus at Olympia in the eastern Peloponnese, traditionally dated as starting in 776 BC, and held from the 8th century BCE to the 4th century CE. The victors of these ancient games may have been awarded crowns of olive leaves in recognition of their achievements, but these original Olympics were no graceful, idealistic celebration of the classical aesthetic of grace and beauty shared by all of the participating Greek city-states, but rather a bitterly contested struggle between political rivals. Robin Waterfield paints a vivid picture of the reality of the ancient Olympic Games; outlines the events in which competitors took part; explores their purpose, rituals and politics; and charts their thousand-year history.