Athletics and Games of the Ancient Greeks

** "Athletics and Games of the Ancient Greeks" by Edward M. Plummer is a historical exploration of athletic culture in ancient Greece. Written in the style of the late 19th century, it argues that sports were a central part of Greek society beyond just being a physical activity. Plummer uses the writings of Homer, especially the epics, to show that games and physical training were important for both building strong bodies and shaping Greek values. The author sets up a comparison between basic physical work and the more structured athletic training used by the Greeks, pointing out that the Greeks developed sports for health, beauty, and competition. The early chapters introduce how these games were not only a way to test skill but also a fundamental part of Greek life, setting the stage for a discussion about their evolution and broader impact. **