Sport: Antiquity and Its Legacy

Ancient sport is one of the most ancient human pursuits and has had a significant impact on modern sport. This book explores how sports personalities, agencies, institutions, and movements have consciously connected themselves to the Graeco-Roman past, even as they insist on their centrality in the modern world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 12 January 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Modern sport is intricately intertwined with ancient sport, forming a tapestry of history and tradition that shapes our understanding of the sporting world. Sport permeates contemporary society, reaching far and wide across the globe, with its immense popularity defining the modern era. However, it is remarkable to note that sport is one of the oldest human endeavors, dating back to the dawn of civilization.

In the globalized landscape of modern sport, the characteristics of athletic performance, as well as the ideology and origins of the sport, are largely influenced by the model of one pre-modern civilization: Graeco-Roman antiquity. By juxtaposing the insights of ancient writers with those of contemporary figures, such as the modern Olympic founder Pierre de Coubertin and the physical fitness pioneer Bernarr Macfadden, and by analyzing the portrayal of sport in Olympic films, author John Miller showcases the ancient heritage of contemporary sport. He reveals how ancient sport has been adapted, appropriated, mishandled, and reimagined over time.

Sport today presents a fascinating paradox: on the one hand, it exudes explicit modernity, boasting technological sophistication, integration into capitalist markets, and institutionalization. On the other hand, it is often perceived as ancient, with its mythology of the Olympics, its deep-rooted connections to sporting civic and national pride, and the emotional and almost religious fervor of sports fans. This book serves as a valuable intervention in the reception of classical antiquity, delving into how sports personalities, agencies, institutions, and movements have consciously linked themselves to the Graeco-Roman past, while simultaneously asserting their centrality in the modern world.

Through meticulous research and analysis, Miller uncovers the intricate connections between ancient sport and modern sport, shedding light on the ways in which the past has influenced and shaped the present. He explores how sports personalities, agencies, and institutions have embraced the Graeco-Roman legacy, incorporating elements of ancient culture and symbolism into their practices and narratives. He also examines the ways in which sports movements have sought to reclaim and revitalize the essence of ancient sport, often blending it with contemporary ideals and values.

One of the key themes of this book is the ways in which ancient sport has been used as a tool for cultural appropriation and exploitation. Miller highlights how sports organizations and individuals have capitalized on the popularity of ancient sport, often commodifying it and stripping it of its cultural significance. He also examines how the commercialization of sport has led to the marginalization of certain sports and athletes, particularly those from marginalized communities.

Despite these challenges, the book also presents a positive outlook on the relationship between ancient sport and modern sport. Miller emphasizes the ways in which ancient sport can inspire and motivate contemporary athletes, providing them with a rich heritage and a sense of tradition to draw upon. He also highlights the ways in which modern sport can contribute to the preservation and promotion of ancient sport, ensuring that its legacy is passed down to future generations.

In conclusion, Modern Sport and Ancient Sport: The Intertwined Tapestry is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the complex relationship between ancient sport and modern sport. Through meticulous research and analysis, author John Miller sheds light on the historical, cultural, and social implications of sport, providing a valuable contribution to the field of sports studies. This book will appeal to scholars, athletes, sports enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of history, culture, and sport.

Weight: 306g
Dimension: 139 x 214 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350140219