THE ANCIENT OLYMPIC GAMES: SPORTS AND SOCIETY IN ANCIENT GREECE (IN-PERSON)

This summer, the XXXIII Modern Olympiad will take place in Paris. But what are the ancient origins of these Modern Olympic Games? Sports festivals in ancient Greece were celebrated as major religious rituals to gods such as Zeus, Poseidon, Athena, and Apollo. Sports, in fact, pervaded Greek culture, and played an active role in competitive Greek society. This course will examine both the mythical and archaeological origins of the ancient Olympic Games, as well as the events (track and field, horseracing, etc.) and other activities that made up the festival celebration. We will also examine the archaeology of the sanctuary of Zeus at Olympia, including the Temple of Zeus, which housed his cult statue, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.