A collection that not only explores many aspects of the ancient Olympics and the programme of competitive festivals in democratic Athens but also the broader religious, social and political contexts in which sport and festival flourished in ancient Greece. It shows how the values of sport pervaded Greek society.

First launched at the time of the Athens Olympics, "Sport and Festival in the Ancient Greek World" has become a classic study in its field. The 15 illustrated chapters of this collection not only explore many aspects of the ancient Olympics and the rich programme of competitive festivals in democratic Athens but also the broader religious, social and political contexts in which sport and festival flourished in ancient Greece. The book shows how the values of sport pervaded Greek society and helped to create fundamental practices of ancient Greek democracy.