The Ancient Greek Olympics (Paperback)

by Richard Woff (Author) "Los Angeles! Tokyo! London! Barcelona! Sydney 2000! When we think of the Olympic Games, we think of the great cities of the world..." (more)
Key Phrases: public banquet, Olympic Games, Programme Morning, Panathenaic Games

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8-A well-written and succinct examination of the ancient games. The book covers each of the five days of the Olympics, with the athletic and religious events of each day discussed. Modern renderings with models of the site give a sense of the layout. Other pictures in the book are mostly taken from period ceramics and statues. Techniques used by the participants in the various sports are discussed and contrasted with those used by modern athletes. A few questions are scattered throughout the book. (Some of them may provoke discussion; others invite snickers, given the graphically rendered images of male nudity presented.) The last few pages tell of other ancient religious and athletic competitions held in other parts of Greece and the eventual end of the ancient games, with a brief mention of their modern revival. A short and rather incomplete index and list of further readings are included.
Todd Morning, Schaumburg Township Public Library, IL
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Woff's timely book (think Sydney, 2000) is unusual in that it describes the ancient Greek Olympics day by day over a period of five days, comparing the ancient and modern games as it goes along. Did you know, for instance, that ancient Olympians had personal trainers? Additional chapters discuss a variety of related topics, such as the origin of the games, women in proceedings, and the beginning of the modern Olympics. The text brings to life the sights and sounds of the spectacle, Woff provides the sort of juicy information that students will find invaluable for research. Illustrations, including photographs of Greek art and statuary, are plentiful. Beautiful images of athletes from terra-cotta amphoras give a particularly effective and lively sense of the gritty heroism of the participants. The thoughtful, coherent design allows ready access to some very interesting facts. Tim Arnold

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (February 10, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195215818
• ISBN-13: 978-0195215816
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: No customer reviews yet. Be the first.
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,148,417 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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