THE ANCIENT OLYMPICS ATHLETES, GAMES & HEROES
by DR. DAVID GILMAN ROMANO UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA MUSEUM
"Three Stars ... Recommended for high schools, colleges & universities
and public libraries," Video Librarian
"This video ... is very rich indeed. The potential audience ... is
wide. Teachers of
Classical Civilization should not hesitate to consider its purchase." Bulletin of the
Joint Association of Classical Teachers
Scenes of wrestlers, boxers, and runners competing for the honor of an Olympic victory are familiar to fans of the modern Olympics. However, the scenes described in this lecture took place more than 2,000years ago. A rich history, dating back to mythological times, gives us afresh perspective on the origins of modern athletic competition. Many of our present-day athletic events are modeled on those of the ancient Olympics, and many of the words used in antiquity - like stadium, discus, and pentathlon - are still used today.
With a background as an athlete and coach of track and field, Dr. David Romano is an acknowledged expert and popular lecturer on ancient sports. Among other subjects, Dr. Romano discusses the rituals and rules of the Olympics and explains the various events and customs of the five-day Olympiad. In addition, he focuses on the athletes and heroes and the rewards, scandals and politics that surrounded them! Through sculpture, vase paintings and contemporary scenes of athletic competition, Dr. Romano presents a multi-faceted introduction to the ancient Olympics.
The video, "The Ancient Olympics", is intended for home viewing by the general public as well as for use in educational settings. With its interdisciplinary approach it presents material directly connected to Ancient History and Religion, as well as Classical Archaeology; in addition, its subject matter is of great value to all persons interested in athletics, ancient and modern.
Length: 52 minutes. Institute for Mediterranean Studies, Video Series, Volume II