Bjorn Bols (MA in Classics) – Ancient Greek Wrestling

Wrestling was the first non-running event added to the ancient Olympics in the 18th Olympiad in 708 BCE. Wrestling continued to appear in Greek and Roman art and literature all the way up to the end of antiquity, leaving behind a large archaeological legacy over a period of a thousand years. This long history reflects a level of importance and prestige associated with the sport that is deserving of further study. By applying a modern and practical understanding of grappling sports  to the descriptions and images found in the ancient world, this research aims to illuminate further details about the sport. For upcoming interviews check out the Grad Chat webpage on Queen’s University School of Graduate Studies & Postdoctoral Affairs website – https://www.queensu.ca/grad-postdoc/research/share/grad-chat