Ancient Olympics

Did you know that the ancient Greeks were also the first ones to come up with the idea of the Olympics? The idea was originally crafted to honor Zeus. From then on, the world caught on and the Olympics is now the biggest and most prestigious sports gathering worldwide. Listen to more details in this audiobook.

Ancient Greece was the birthplace of advances in government, art, philosophy, science, and architecture - all of which continue to influence the world today. Warriors and diplomats, scientists, artists, and the first comedians: The achievements of this ancient society have formed a strong foundation to be built upon by later cultures.

The Timekeepers are a secret organization of kids who keep the course of history on track—and history needs them—a villain called DeLay is set on causing chaos! When the hands on their special watches start to spin backwards, the Time Keepers know that DeLay has been up to no good, and it's up to them to put things right... In this instalment, the Timekeepers are tipped off that the Time Pirate DeLay is planning on sabotaging the first Olympic Games, and are whisked back to Ancient Greece to put a stop to his plans.

In ancient Greece and across the Mediterranean, kingdoms strive for dominance. The great powers of Carthage and Egypt look on with avarice as the might of the Greeks is spent warring between themselves, oblivious to external dangers. Year in and year out, the people suffer at the hands of their rulers and the famine and pestilence that comes with conflict. The great rulers of the day are themselves helpless to end this cycle of destruction. While life on the battlefield is cheap, the slave trade flourishes through the years of interminable battle and death.

The Pan-Hellenic Games is the collective term for the four major sports festivals held in ancient Greece. These include the Olympic Games, held in honor of Zeus at Olympia every four years; the Pythian Games in honor of Apollo, held at Delphi every four years; the Nemean Games, held to celebrate Zeus and Heracles at Nemea near Corinth every two years; and the Isthmian Games, honoring Poseidon at Isthmia every two years. The main events at all of the games were chariot racing, wrestling, boxing, the pankration, the stadion, various other foot races, and the pentathlon.

This small volume focuses on the major Greek gods and on some of the minor ones. Fully illustrated with pertinent details on each of the main gods and their functions. Excerpted from the writings of G.H. Bianchi and edited by David Christopher Lane.