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The Open University

The Ancient Olympics: bridging past and present

The Open University via OpenLearn

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Overview

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This free course, The Ancient Olympics: bridging past and present, highlights the similarities and differences between our modern Games and the Ancient Olympics and explores why today, as we prepare for future Olympics, we still look back at the Classical world for meaning and inspiration.Please note, this course contains some Flash content that no longer works. We are currently working to update this.

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Learning outcomes
  • 1 Historical influences
  • 1 Historical influences
  • 2 What are the Ancient Olympics?
  • 2 What are the Ancient Olympics?
  • 2.1 Further resources
  • 3 The broader context: Other athletic festivals in Ancient Greece
  • 3 The broader context: Other athletic festivals in Ancient Greece
  • 3.1 Further resources
  • 4 Preparing for the games: Training body and mind
  • 4 Preparing for the games: Training body and mind
  • 4.1 Further resources
  • 5 Day One: The opening ceremony (athletics and religion)
  • 5 Day One: The opening ceremony (athletics and religion)
  • 5.1 Further resources
  • 6 Day Two: The equestrian events and pentathlon
  • 6 Day Two: The equestrian events and pentathlon
  • 6.1 Equestrian Events
  • 6.1.1 Further resources
  • 6.2 Pentathlon
  • 6.2.1 Further resources
  • 7 Day Three: Sacrifices (Hecatomb) and feast
  • 7 Day Three: Sacrifices (Hecatomb) and feast
  • 7.1 Further resources
  • 8 Day Four: Running events and combat sports
  • 8 Day Four: Running events and combat sports
  • 8.1 Running Events
  • 8.1.1 Further resources
  • 8.2 Combat sports
  • 8.2.1 Further resources
  • 9 Day Five: Honouring the victors
  • 9 Day Five: Honouring the victors
  • 9.1 Further resources
  • 10 Conclusion
  • 10 Conclusion
  • 10.1 Further resources
  • 11. Quiz
  • 11. Quiz
  • Glossary
  • Acknowledgements

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4.7 rating at OpenLearn based on 7 ratings

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