Summary:
Theodore Antonides' "Olympia" is a comprehensive treatise on the ancient Olympic Games. While the first two books focus on the origins, organization, and various events of the Games, Book 3 delves into the aftermath of the competitions: the prizes, the crowning of the victors, and the impact of victory on their lives.
Antonides begins with an analysis of the role of the Hellanodiki, the judges who judged the competitions and declared the victors. He describes their rigorous selection process and the oath they took to judge fairly and impartially: "They swore by Jupiter that they would judge justly and accept no bribes." These judges had the power to disqualify competitors and punish them for foul play, which emphasized the integrity of the Games.
In addition to the fame and honor that came with victory, the Olympic champions were rewarded with material prizes. Antonides describes the various prizes, from money and clothing to the iconic wreath of olive leaves: "The prize was a wreath of wild olive branches, plucked from a certain tree standing in the middle of the Olympic grounds." He emphasizes, however, that the true reward lay in the recognition and admiration of the public: "The victors were praised with hymns, and their valor was described in verse."
Antonides describes how victory changed the lives of the athletes forever. They were honored with statues, hymns, and even divine worship: "Some cities worshipped their victors as gods." He gives examples of athletes who, after their victory, held political positions or were employed as military leaders. The Games were thus not only a sporting event but also a springboard to social success.
Book 3 concludes with a reflection on the value of the Olympic Games. Antonides emphasizes that the Games were more than just a display of physical strength and agility. They represented values such as bravery, honor, and sportsmanship, which were essential to Greek society: "The Games taught the youth to compete for honor and to accept defeat with dignity." He argues that the Games played an important role in promoting unity and peace among the various Greek city-states.
Book 3 of "Olympia" offers valuable insight into the aftermath of the Olympic Games and their impact on the victors and Greek society. Antonides' detailed descriptions and analyses, enriched with quotations from the text, shed light on a crucial aspect of the Games and demonstrate how the values they represented remain relevant in the modern era.