The Ancient Olympics and Daily Life in Ancient Olympia: A Hands-On History

This two-week workshop, funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities, will immerse K-12 teachers in the ancient Olympic Games and the local life going on around those games. We'll delve into scholarly historical research via original literary sources, material remains, and secondary analysis from contemporary scholars. Just as importantly, this institute will help participants to understand the Games and ancient Mediterranean life from a hands-on history perspective, teaching participants how to do the Olympic events in the ancient style, to carry out the work of artisans and craftspeople of the time, and to experience the materiality of ancient life.