CLAS 820
Type: 800 level
Units: 3.00
Term: Fall 2026
Instructor: Dr. Skaltsa
Delivery: In-Person
When and why were people banned from the ancient Olympics? What gave rise to a world of professional athletes in antiquity? Did ‘walkovers’ or wins ‘by default’ exist? What made athletics an essential, sine qua non part of Greek culture?
This course provides an in-depth survey of ancient Greek athletics from the Archaic period to the ‘end of athletics’ in Late Antiquity. Using a range of sources, from literary texts, inscriptions and papyri to coins, visual art and archaeological evidence, we will examine how athletics were part and parcel of Greek society and culture; how they were embedded in the world of the polis; and how, both in antiquity and modern times, athletics are intertwined with politics and power struggles. We will examine a range of topics from the history, organization and events of the famous Olympic Games to the proliferation of contests in the Hellenistic and Roman periods; the ritual and religious aspects of Greek sports; the celebration and commemoration of victories; the participation of women in athletics; the venues for education and training; and many more. Through the lens of Greek athletics, students will enquire about the transformation(s) of the Greek city over a thousand-year period and will assess Greek paideia and athletic culture in a shifting political, social and cultural landscape, while drawing parallels and insights relevant to today’s athletic culture(s).
NOTE: This course is co-taught with CLST 410.