Introduction

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.

Portrait of the Greek Olympics

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.

Nature of the Contests

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.