The Panathenaic Games: Athens' Other Olympics

In this episode of The History of Greece, Lucas and Luna step away from the battlefield to explore the Panathenaic Games, Athens' grand civic festival that has been overshadowed by the Olympics. They uncover the athletic contests open to all Greeks, the unique events like the apobates and the torch relay, and the staggering prizes — from amphorae of olive oil to golden crowns. The conversation also digs into the politics behind the festival: how Peisistratos expanded it, how Pericles used it to project Athenian power, and how the Panathenaic procession became a stage for imperial propaganda. With details from inscriptions, vase paintings, and the Panathenaic amphorae that survive today, this episode reveals a festival that was as much about identity and ideology as it was about sport. The hosts also touch on the role of the athlothetai, the judges, and the democratic threads woven through the event. A must-listen for anyone curious about how ancient Athens celebrated itself. #PanathenaicGames #Athens #AncientGreece #Peisistratos #Pericles #Olympics #Athletics #OliveOil #Amphorae #TorchRelay #Apobates #CivicFestival #Democracy #Hellenistic #Roman #Festival #GreekHistory #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo