Classical Studies 2300 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Panathenaic Games, Ancient Olympic Games, Greek Drachma

• School: Western University
• Department: Classical Studies
• Course: Classical Studies 2300
• Professor: Charles Stocking

Document Summary

Lecture 10 - ancient athletics and the polis: athens vs. Emphasis on victory; risk one"s personal well being and playing in pain. Antagonism to the point that opponents are defined as enemies Ethic of personal expression, enjoyment, growth, good health. Inclusing participation based on accommodation of difference in skills. Democratic decision making structures characerized by cooperations sharing of power. Interpersonal support around the idea of competing with, not against, others. Ancient olympics as power and performance model: strict hierarch: hellanodikai can whip participants, emphasis on victory. Only first place is acknowledged, opponents treated as enemies, sometimes even killed. Ancient sport as participation model: created social ties between upper and middle class; no class requirements to participate, only citizenship. In honor of athena, daughter of zeus, goddess of war and wisdom, patron of athens. Celebrated every 4 years (in competition with olympics)