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Online Program

Online Lecture: The Ancient Olympics — The Greatest Show on Earth

Program No. 24996RJ
Join us on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at 2 p.m. (ET)/ 11 a.m. (PT), for a one-hour lecture and Q&A that explores the site of Olympia, where athletes competed for a crown of victory.
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HistoryOnline Lecture
Length
1 hour
Rating
New
Starts at
25

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At a Glance

In celebration of the Olympic Games, which return to Paris this summer, you are invited to join archaeologist and educator Nick Stavrinides to discover the naked truth behind its ancient forerunner, which endured for nearly 1,200 years. An athletic and religious extravaganza, the ancient Olympics showcased the Greek world’s greatest athletes in their ultimate quest to win not a gold medal, but a wreath of wild olive leaves. In this first of four lectures in this series exploring the ancient Olympics, Nick will set the stage by introducing the great sanctuary of Zeus at Olympia, where the games took place. As we journey back in time to trace the development of the Games, we will learn about the legendary sports heroes who traveled every four years to the sanctuary of Olympia to compete in honor of Zeus before as many as 50,000 rowdy and clamorous Greek spectators.

General Notes

This lecture is the first in a series of four lectures held on consecutive Thursdays starting July 18, 2024. To attend the full series, please also enroll in “Online Lecture: The Ancient Olympics — Scandal & Corruption” (program #25000 on July 25, 2024 at 2 p.m. ET), “Online Lecture: The Ancient Olympics — Women at the Games” (program #25004 on August 1, 2024 at 2 p.m. ET), and “Online Lecture: The Ancient Olympics — Politics, Propaganda & Rivalry” (program #25012 on August 8, 2024 at 2 p.m. ET). The cost is $25 per lecture.
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Nicholas Stavrinides
Nicholas Stavrinides is a trained archaeologist and art historian. He has excavated in Israel and Greece, and has conducted field studies in Italy and Provence. He received his bachelor's in classical studies from the University of California, Berkeley, and his master's in classical art and archaeology at the University of Michigan, where he also pursued his Ph.D. Nick is an educator who currently teaches in Northern California. A native San Franciscan, Nick resides in Sonoma County where he enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and wine tastings.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

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Nicholas Stavrinides View biography
Nicholas Stavrinides is a trained archaeologist and art historian. He has excavated in Israel and Greece, and has conducted field studies in Italy and Provence. He received his bachelor's in classical studies from the University of California, Berkeley, and his master's in classical art and archaeology at the University of Michigan, where he also pursued his Ph.D. Nick is an educator who currently teaches in Northern California. A native San Franciscan, Nick resides in Sonoma County where he enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and wine tastings.
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