CLAS 350A - The Archaeology of Ancient Athletics

This course is an introduction to the archaeology, art, architecture, history and literature of the evidence for ancient athletics in the Mediterranean world. A portion of the course is devoted to the archaeological, historical and literary evidence for the ancient Olympic Games. Course topics include: Sumerian athletics; Babylonian athletics, Egyptian athletics; Athletics in Homer; the rise of athletic festivals; Pan-Hellenic festivals; athletics and society; athletics and art; Greek athletic events; famous athletes and athletics; trainers, coaches and managers; athletic facilities; prizes and compensation; politics and Greek athletics; Macedonia and the Hellenistic age; athletics of the Etruscans and during the Roman Republic; athletics during the Roman empire.