Prof Paul Christesen describes the importance of the Olympic Games

From taking advantage of the Olympic truce to hearing the latest works from the famous historian Herodotus and enjoying a giant, 24-hour BBQ, it is easy to see why the Games were a key date in the diary for Greeks everywhere.

The Olympic Games were a huge deal for the Ancient Greeks. They drew spectators and attendees from all over the far-flung empire, and were the undoubted highlight of the social calendar.

"One of the things that made you Greek was playing sports and going to the Olympics," Paul Christesen, professor of Ancient Greek History at Dartmouth College, USA, said.

Link to quoted article here.