Sports & Spectacle Greece/Rome

Catalog description

The course draws on historical sources and material culture to investigate the genesis, evolution, and social importance of athletics (track and field events, combat sports, and equestrian competitions) and public spectacles (gladiatorial combats, chariot races, and reenactments of battles) in ancient Greece and Rome, respectively. Topics explored include: the history of the ancient Olympics and other Crown Games; the importance of religion, socio-economic status, and gender in ancient sports; the relation between politics and spectacles in ancient Rome; the ethical protocols of Greek athletics; and the role of ancient sports in the history of the modern Olympic Games.