Classical Studies 2300 Midterm: Classics Midterm Review

• School: Western University
• Department: Classical Studies
• Course: Classical Studies 2300
• Professor: David Lamari

Document Summary

Lecture 1: introduction to athletics in the near east. Literary (written) evidence: copied and preserved throughout 2500 years, aristocratic men create the literature for men as a leisurely activity; primary source of evidence, often written with a bias, other written evidence: Inscriptions and papyrus including contracts, achievements and sport incidents: visual evidence, buildings (stadiums, tracks, etc. , art (pottery, wall paintings, etc. ) Athletic nudity: athlete person involved in an activity with a prize, agon (agony, the burn) meet or competition, gymnikos (gymnasium) nude. Origins and purpose of nudity: wardrobe malfunction, runner won, caught on, spartan invention, equality in competition, self-advertising/sexuality. Infibulation tie foreskin and double penis back on itself (decorative?) Pure athletics no subjective judging, no teams, only 1st prize. Athletics: skilled competition, non-routine physical activity, no intent to harm, specified set of rules. Greek passion for athletics: arete excellence, being an athlete gave a man excellence.