Olympic Games in Ancient Greece

by Apostolidis Tassos, Vakalis Nassos (illustrator)

The year is 432 B.C., and the 87th Olympiad is about to begin. Through the tender story of Lydia and Kallias, we'll be guided through Elis, city of the ancient Olympic Games. We'll take a stroll through the sacred grove of Olympia, with its hallowed Temples and Treasuries, and we'll see the Prytaneion, the Pelopion, and the Bouleuterion. We'll learn all about the games and the religious ceremonies and cultural events which took place in parallel to the athletic contests. We'll talk to artists and philosophers of the day, getting a better sense of the Olympic spirit, where it came from, and how it resonates still at the modern-day Olympics. A perfect way to prepare for the upcoming 2024 Games in Paris!

Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2023

Reviews

[Andrew Ives · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rather decent, colourful, Disney-ish style artwork, which is wonderful for some of the larger panels, such as the construction of the giant Zeus statue. The storyline is peppered with historical facts, along with accurate drawings of the original buildings at Olympia, all woven together by a handful of Greek characters occupied with their own individual plotlines as they watch the various sports taking place. I found the horse racing section quite dramatic, and all of it is fairly interesting and atmospheric, although perhaps it does go on a little longer than is necessary. Worth a read for those who know little of the Olympics' origins. 3.5/5