---
product_id: 11979763
title: "The Ancient Olympics"
price: "£26.09"
currency: GBP
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 11
url: https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/11979763-the-ancient-olympics
store_origin: GB
region: United Kingdom
---

# The Ancient Olympics

**Price:** £26.09
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** The Ancient Olympics
- **How much does it cost?** £26.09 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.uk](https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/11979763-the-ancient-olympics)

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- Customers looking for quality international products

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## Description

The word 'athletics' is derived from the Greek verb 'to struggle for a prize'. After reading this book, no one will see the Olympics as a graceful display of Greek beauty again, but as war by other means. Nigel Spivey paints a portrait of the Greek Olympics as they really were - fierce contests between bitter rivals, in which victors won kudos and rewards, and losers faced scorn and even assault. Victory was almost worth dying for, and a number of athletes did just that. Many more resorted to cheating and bribery. Contested always bitterly and often bloodily, the ancient Olympics were not an idealistic celebration of unity, but a clash of military powers in an arena not far removed from the battlefield.

Review: Excellence in Research - I cannot praise enough the excellence of Nigel Spivey's research and presentation involved with the ancient Olympics. The craftsmanship of his narrative is first-rate and there is a refreshing candor and lack of romanticizing regarding this event and the times surrounding it. Mr. Spivey may be remembered from his presenting of "The Queens and Kings Of England" on the Biography Channel. He is a charming host on this particular documentary and one can see his sincere interest in putting forth well done research in a way to include the viewer outside the convention of a professor ponticificating to his classroom. A perfectly wonderful book by a perfectly wonderful writer! Thomas Lee
Review: A solid and interesting look at the ancient Olympics - A solid and interesting look at the ancient Olympics. Well-researched with attention to primary sources. I learned a lot but think the organization and structure could have been better, or clearer. It wasn't obvious to me why this or that chapter or section was where it was and how it fit into a whole. It could be a good supplement for a course on the Olympics--though I am not sure it would be a could primary text.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Best Sellers Rank | #1,480,031 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #187 in Olympic Games #1,003 in Ancient Greek History (Books) #1,684 in Sports History (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 33 Reviews |

## Images

![The Ancient Olympics - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61j3NGJ9hKL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellence in Research
*by T***N on August 30, 2006*

I cannot praise enough the excellence of Nigel Spivey's research and presentation involved with the ancient Olympics. The craftsmanship of his narrative is first-rate and there is a refreshing candor and lack of romanticizing regarding this event and the times surrounding it. Mr. Spivey may be remembered from his presenting of "The Queens and Kings Of England" on the Biography Channel. He is a charming host on this particular documentary and one can see his sincere interest in putting forth well done research in a way to include the viewer outside the convention of a professor ponticificating to his classroom. A perfectly wonderful book by a perfectly wonderful writer! Thomas Lee

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ A solid and interesting look at the ancient Olympics
*by S***N on April 5, 2025*

A solid and interesting look at the ancient Olympics. Well-researched with attention to primary sources. I learned a lot but think the organization and structure could have been better, or clearer. It wasn't obvious to me why this or that chapter or section was where it was and how it fit into a whole. It could be a good supplement for a course on the Olympics--though I am not sure it would be a could primary text.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Interesting book
*by N***3 on August 25, 2014*

Very interesting book about the history of the Olympic Games. Helpful and informative. Definitely recommend.

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*Product available on Desertcart United Kingdom*
*Store origin: GB*
*Last updated: 2026-06-25*