Summary:
Theodorus Antonides' "Olympia" (1732) is a fascinating journey through the history and culture of the ancient Olympic Games. Book 1 of this work immerses us in the origins and essence of these games, revealing how deeply intertwined they were with Greek society.
Antonides opens his treatise by positing that after the Fall, humans sought ways to dispel "boredom and sorrow." This led to the development of training and combat games, which were held both "privately and publicly." Public games were often connected to important events, such as funerals ("such as that of Patroclus"), inaugurations, and religious celebrations.
However, the games were not merely for entertainment. They were crucial for training young men in the arts of war. Antonides emphasizes that "bravery was considered the highest virtue," and the games provided a platform for displaying and developing this virtue. Central to Book 1 is the description of the Olympic Games, the most prestigious of the four great Greek Games. Held in Olympia, a field in the Peloponnese, these games attracted participants and spectators from all over Greece. Antonides describes Olympia as an ideal location, not only because of its "suitability for trade" but also because of the presence of the majestic Temple of Zeus.
This temple, with its "statue of Jupiter Olympius, of ivory and gold," was a symbol of the divine presence in the Games. Antonides devotes a significant portion of Book 1 to describing this temple and the many "statues and gifts" presented there by kings and princes.
Besides describing the location and the temple, Antonides delves into the history of the Games. He outlines the role of various figures, such as Hercules and Pelops, in the development and continuation of the Games. He also emphasizes the importance of the Games in chronological order, using the names of victors like Coroebus to mark history. "Olympia" is not only a historical account but also a reflection on the cultural significance of the Games. Antonides describes how the Games were imitated in other Greek cities and even in Rome, where they were celebrated "with greater pomp and circumstance." He shows how the Games inspired writers and artists, and how they became a symbol of Greek identity and culture.
Book 1 of "Olympia" offers valuable insight into the origins and essence of the Olympic Games. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of sports, Greek culture, and the enduring legacy of the Olympic ideals.