Power Games: Ritual and Rivalry at the Ancient Greek Olympics /anglais - Couverture souple

Stuttard, David

Couverture souple

ISBN 10 : 0714122726 ISBN 13 : 9780714122724

Editeur : British Museum Press, 2012

Synopsis

Power Games Power; the power of the gods; the power of Greek cities; the power of the human body: all these were celebrated at the ancient Olympic Games. This title revolves around the Games of 416 BC a turning point in Greek politics when a cold war between Athens and other major cities was about to erupt into bloody fighting. Full description

A propos du livre

Présentation de l'éditeur :

Power; the power of the gods; the power of Greek cities; the power of the human body: all these were celebrated at the ancient Olympic Games. Ancient Olympia symbolized excellence and supremacy in every sense of the word, not only athletic, but also political. Every four years, this international festival carefully timed to coincide with the August full moon drew the strongest and fastest athletic champions, hoping to win glory for their city-state. With them came the ruling elite, equally intent on displaying their citys power and prestige by excelling at the Games. After the athletic contests, Olympia also served as the ideal forum for political parleys and alliances. This absorbing narrative, told from a spectators viewpoint, revolves around the Games of 416 BC a turning point in Greek politics when a cold war between Athens and other major cities was about to erupt into bloody fighting. The reader vividly experiences what it was like to be there, to witness the rituals, official banquets, bloody contests, victory celebrations and subsequent political parleys.

Revue de presse :

'David Stuttard can make language crack and spark like an electric storm.' --Yorkshire Evening Press

'[Stuttard's] prose is admirably direct and accessible.' --The Guardian

Stuttard s writing is immensely readable and engaging. Empathetic descriptions of the often rather unpleasant- conditions for spectators and competitiors are interspersed with clear factual descriptions of the site and the events, as well as interludes of telescoped history from before and after 416BC which help to contextualize and explain the events themselves. --BBC History Magazine

À propos de cette édition

• Éditeur: British Museum Press
• Date d'édition: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0714122726
• ISBN 13: 9780714122724
• Reliure: Broché
• Nombre de pages: 240