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Sport and Gods in Ancient Greece: Discover the Sacred Site of Olympia with Dr. Guillaume Durand

Sport and Gods in Ancient Greece: Discover the Sacred Site of Olympia with Dr. Guillaume Durand


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

1896, Athens
Under the instigation of French educationalist Pierre de Coubertin, inspired by recent archaeological excavations of Olympia, the first modern Olympics were held in an effort to avoid another major European conflict after the disaster of the Franco-Prussian war of 1870. Even if they tried to induce the Sacred Truce or ékécheiria of the Ancients, the Modern Olympics have little to compare with the Ancient Games.

Join archaeologist and professor Guillaume Durand in this virtual tour of the sacred site of Olympia and its museum to discover some of its masterpieces such as Hermes and the Infant Dionysus by Praxiteles, the Nike of Paionios or the Helmet of Miltiades. This seminar aims to understand the central role played by Ancient Greek games in the society, on an individual level as well as for the City-States and the whole Greek Panhellenic culture.

Wandering in the middle of the ruins, we will reflect on the connection the Ancient Greeks made between body and agôn (spirit of competition), eutaxia (good and disciplined behavior), and philoponia (zest for work); between humans and Gods with the giant temple of Zeus which housed one of the seven marvels of the Ancient World; the place given to women during the Heraia; as well as the athletes whose names have stayed in memory, such as Phayllos of Kroton who once jumped 55 feet / 16.3 meters… about 25 feet / 7 meters more than Mike Powell in 1991! 

Passionate about the regions and countries at the crossroad of civilizations, Guillaume Durand, Ph.D. has long-standing expertise in Ancient art and archaeology of the Eastern Mediterranean Basin. Assistant dean and professor in archaeology and art history at the Institute for American Universities and the American College of the Mediterranean in Aix-en-Provence, France, Guillaume has traveled many times in Iran during these six past years in order to study the Persian Empires. He is also a tourist guide and lecturer in this country for French citizens.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 5 reviews
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(4)
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Barb MacDonald (Victoria, CA)

Another excellent seminar with Dr. Durand who always delivers a thorough and entertaining exploration of the topics he presents. This session includes the historical, political and religious aspects of the games; the sports, athletes and training; and the archeological site.

J
J (Vancouver, CA)
Olympia, Olympics and a wonderful site

Guillaume (as usual) presents a top class seminar. Excellent materials, engaging style.(Added to "next time in Greece" itinerary)

M
Mary Barnes (Pomona, US)

Guest did not leave comment

T
T.D. (San Francisco, US)

Guest did not leave comment

C
Christine (Arlington, US)
Ancient Olympia

Excellent images and good tour of the site and museum of the ancient Olympics at Olympia. Background information provided on other major sporting venues popular at the time in addition to those held at Olympia, who participated in the games and why, role of Gods in the games, training regime, sporting events, prizes offered, beautiful terracotta pottery commemorating the events and architectural/sculptural remains of venue.

Customer Reviews

Based on 5 reviews
80%
(4)
20%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
B
Barb MacDonald (Victoria, CA)

Another excellent seminar with Dr. Durand who always delivers a thorough and entertaining exploration of the topics he presents. This session includes the historical, political and religious aspects of the games; the sports, athletes and training; and the archeological site.

J
J (Vancouver, CA)
Olympia, Olympics and a wonderful site

Guillaume (as usual) presents a top class seminar. Excellent materials, engaging style.(Added to "next time in Greece" itinerary)

M
Mary Barnes (Pomona, US)

Guest did not leave comment

T
T.D. (San Francisco, US)

Guest did not leave comment

C
Christine (Arlington, US)
Ancient Olympia

Excellent images and good tour of the site and museum of the ancient Olympics at Olympia. Background information provided on other major sporting venues popular at the time in addition to those held at Olympia, who participated in the games and why, role of Gods in the games, training regime, sporting events, prizes offered, beautiful terracotta pottery commemorating the events and architectural/sculptural remains of venue.