The Games at Athens

Agora Picture Books

by Jenifer Neils, Stephen V. Tracy

This attractive book presents a general introduction to the Greater Panathenaia, the week-long religious and civic festival held at Athens every four years in honor of the city’s patron goddess, Athena. The highlight of the city’s festival calendar, with its musical, athletic, and equestrian contests, tribal events, processions, sacrifices, and other activities, the Greater Panathenaia involved all the residents of Athens; not just adult males but women, children, metics (resident aliens), foreigners, and even slaves. The facilities, administration, program events, prizes, and associated monuments are described.

32 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

Reviews

[William Razavi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent short intro to the Panathenaea and its various competitions and events. The Athenian games and festivals are often overshadowed by the Olympics (thanks to the modern recreation of the latter) but are a fascinating slice of antiquity that is worth thinking about and this is a good monograph to start with.