The victor's crown : a history of ancient sport from Homer to Byzantium / David Potter.

Author/creator Potter, David, 1957-
Format Book
Publication InfoOxford ; New York : Oxford University Press, ©2012.
Descriptionxxx, 416 pages : color illustrations ; 25 cm
Subjects

Contents Ashes, linen and the origins of sport. Introduction -- Homer and the Bronze Age -- Homer and sport -- Olympia. From myth to history -- Olympia in 480 BC -- The Olympic games of 476 BC -- The festival approaches -- Winning: The equestrian events; The pentathlon and the foot races; Nudity; Pain and Suffering -- Remembering victory: The athlete as hero -- The emergence of the Panhellenic Cycle -- The world of the gymnasium. Sport and civic virtue -- Beroia -- Getting in shape and turning pro -- Roman games. Greece meets Rome -- Kings and games -- Rome and Italy -- Actors and gladiators -- Caesar, Antony, Augustus and the games -- Imperial games. Watching -- The fan's experience -- Expectations -- Crowd noise -- Dreaming of sport -- Images of sport -- Women's sports -- Gladiators: Life as a gladiator; Training and ranking; Dying; Choosing to be a gladiator -- Charioteers -- Athletes: Athletic guilds; Cheating -- Running the show: Administration; Athletics.
Abstract Presents the role of sport in the classical world from both the competitors' and the spectators' perspectives. Discusses how sport became a social force through its roles in religion, politics, and culture. Includes descriptions of conditioning, training, and competitions.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references and index.
LCCN 2011008813
ISBN9780199842759 (pbk.)
ISBN0199842752 (pbk.)
ISBN9780199842735
ISBN0199842736

Availability

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Joyner General Stacks GV573 .P67 2012 ✔ Available Place Hold