Combat Sports in the Ancient World: Competition, Violence, and Culture

by Michael B. Poliakoff

A leading authority on classical games here provides a comprehensive study of the practice of combat sports in the ancient civilizations of Greece, Rome, and the Near East. Describing and analyzing the sports of boxing, wrestling, stick-fighting, and pankration, Michael B. Poliakoff discusses such topics as the function of competition and violent games in ancient society; on the social background of the participants, showing the broad spectrum of Greek athletic personnel; on the significance of the appearance of combat sport in myth and literature; and on the alleged cultic functions of the ancient combat sports. The book is copiously illustrated with photographs of numerous objects rarely or never before published.

Genres: History, Sports, Martial Arts

220 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Chance Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great academic resource on combat sports in the classical Mediterranean world. Includes plenty of illustrations from the period.