Ancient Greek Athletics

This book is quite behind the times of what is acceptable to most readers, contemporaneously in 2014. However, it does provide a lot of original research and provides the reader a better understanding of the Olympic Ideal as it was first instituted. Is a great text for serious students of athletics and their history. Would help anyone who wants to formulate an, "athletic policy."

Scholarly and insightful with details about the four Panhellenic games, athletics in general. The average reader will add dimensions to understanding modern Olympic games. The scholar gains insights into the culture, politics and economics of the ancient games; and the significance of the crownings, the "stephanitic cycle" at Olympia, Delphi, Nemea and Isthmia.

Item came in great condition! It is a required book for a college course. It has already proved useful for looking up locations on maps and definitions of class terminology.

Quick delivery and exactly what I needed.

very satisfied with this item arrived on time condition was good as it was described on the description. happy with the book. would recommend it to anyone

Everybody knows that the Olympics started in ancient Greece over 2,000 years ago, but nobody seems to know much about those games. Well, the author of this book really knows his stuff. He gives lots of detailed information, and answers lots of questions that you never thought to ask.My personal interest in the subject was not so much about the sports aspect of the ancient games, but more about how those competitions illuminated the Bible's use of athletic metaphors. The Apostle Paul used a number of them. I have gotten some insight on the metaphors, but I've also been drawn in to the workings of the games, the contestants, the officials, and, of course, the games themselves.The author uses many Greek words in his writing, but explains each one when it is first used. (I wish I could remember them all). Having some knowledge of the Greek language is not necessary, but will make some things easier to follow.The book is lavishly illustrated with dozens of pictures of Greek vases and inscriptions that depict the ancient athletes performing in their events - most of the time, completely naked. Modern readers (especially men) will find it surprising, I suppose, that for most events, this was exactly how it was done (I guess that motivated them to run really fast). And the gymnasium was the place where they practiced and performed naked. And that is the meaning od the Greek word, gumnos.I think this book will set the standard for information on the ancient Greek games. I highly recommend it.

I bought this book for college and it arrived on time with minimal wear and tear. I recommend this for other students.

Perfect and on time

Great and informative read

It was great

Amazing condition.