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One of a number of publications released to coincide with the 2004 Olympic Games, this book addresses more of the social aspects of The Ancient Olympics. Nigel Spivey reveals that this was no friendly competition and celebration of unity and togetherness as the modern Olympics promotes, but a contest of intense rivalry with great kudos to be won or lost. The place of athletics and the gymnasium in Greek society, and the citizen's civic duty to be in good shape, is discussed before Spivey turns to ancient Olympia where it all started. The way in which the games and its athletes were commemorated in poetry and statues and the political history of the event are also covered. The revival of the Olympics in the modern era rounds off the book.
