The Ancient Olympics: Culture, Competition, and Decline

A tradition that endured millennia. The ancient Olympic Games began in 776 BC and took place every four years until at least 396 AD. It was a major religious and sporting festival, attended by over 40,000 spectators who flocked to watch athletes compete in sports like wrestling, chariot racing and athletics. 

Matt Lewis is joined by Dr Nigel Spivey to explore the history of the ancient Olympic games, delving into its various origin stories and outlining how the games evolved over a thousand years of history. What was competing and spectating at the games like for ordinary people? What was the significance of the Olympic Games on wider Hellenic society?

Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. 

Hosted by: Matt Lewis

Edited by: Tim Astall

Produced by: Joseph Knight, Peta Stamper, Matt Lewis, Robin McConnell

Senior Producer: Anne-Marie Luff

Production Coordinator: Beth Donaldson

Executive Producers: Etienne Bouvier, Julien Fabre, Steve Lanham, Jen Bennett

Music:

Legend Of The Eagle Bearer by The Flight & Mike Georgiades

Kephalonnia Island by The Flight & Mike Georgiades

Revenge Of The Wolves by The Flight

Markos by The Flight & Mike Georgiades

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