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Definition
Ancient Olympic Games
The ancient Olympic Games were a sporting event held every four years at the sacred site of Olympia, in the western Peloponnese, in honour of Zeus, the supreme god of the Greek religion. The games, held from 776 BCE to 393 CE, involved participants...
Definition
Stadium
In the ancient Greek world, the word stadium or stadion referred to a measurement of distance, a foot-race, and the place where the race was held and observed by spectators. The Great Games Greek sporting events were closely connected...
Article
The Ball Game of Mesoamerica
The sport known simply as the Ball Game was played by all the major Mesoamerican civilizations and the impressive stone courts became a feature of many cities. More than just a game, it could have a religious significance and featured in...
Article
Roman Games, Chariot Races & Spectacle
If there was one thing the Roman people loved it was spectacle and the opportunity of escapism offered by weird and wonderful public shows which assaulted the senses and ratcheted up the emotions. Roman rulers knew this well and so to increase...
Collection
Ancient & Medieval Sports
In this collection of resources, we examine some of the sports that thrilled ancient and medieval audiences from the fast and furious chariot races of the Circus Maximus to the colour and pageantry of medieval jousts. We look at the hockey...
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Roman Mosaic with Charioteers
Mosaic depicting a charioteer and horse from each of the four circus factions (Red, White, Blue, and Green), 3rd century CE (Palazzo Massimo all Terme, Rome). Chariot-racing was the most popular sport in ancient Rome, and the Blues and Greens...
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Greek Wrestlers
A relief from a funerary kouros base depicting two Greek wrestlers, one of the sports at such events as the Olympic Games at Olympia. c. 510 BCE. (National Archaeological Museum, Athens)
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Stadium Entrance, Olympia
The Krypte, which was the official entrance to the stadium of Olympia (200 BCE).
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Greek Athletes
Greek athletes. From the base of a funerary kouros, later included in the Themistokleian Wall of Athens. 510-500 BCE. (National Archaeological Museum, Athens)
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Boxers Fresco, Akrotiri, Thera
The Boxers Fresco from Bronze Age Akrotiri on the island of Thera (Santorini), c. 1700 BCE. (National Archaeological Museum, Athens)