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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.
Foreword to the New Edition Overture
1. 'War Minus the Shooting'
2. In Training for Beautiful Goodness
3. The Programme of Agony
4. Sweet Victory
5. The Politics of Contest
6. Olympia: The Origins
7. Olympia: The Afterlife Epilogue Sources and Further Reading Index
Anonymous
Posted March 3, 2013
I thought this book was very good. I think you have to like greece or olympics to enjoy this book.
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Overview
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 ...