Games and Sanctuaries in Ancient Greece: Olympia, Delphi, Isthmia, Nemea, Athens

Rating:
Summary: Superbly presented history of the origins of the Greek games
Review: Impressively enhanced with 609 color and 40 b/w illustrations, along with 10 maps and 3 foldouts, Games And Sanctuaries In Ancient Greece: Olympia, Delphi, Isthmia, Nemea, Athens by Panos Valavanis (Associate Professor of Archaeology, University of Athens) is an informed and informative 448 page, "coffee table book" compendium showcasing the history of the Hellenic games, the athletes, the sanctuaries, the cities, and the legacy of the ancient Greeks who some 2,500 years ago created the enduring traditions of the Olympic games that continues down to this very day. Games And Sanctuaries In Ancient Greece is a superbly presented history of the origins of the Greek games and traces the development of athletic competitions in Greece from their first mention in the fables of the Illiad and other literary sources down through the late antique period of Hellenic history. A work of inspired scholarship, Games And Sanctuaries In Ancient Greece is very highly recommended reading for anyone with an interest in the Olympic Games, and would make an enduring popular and suitable selection for an academic or community library "Memorial Fund" acquisition.