<p><b>Spend a year in the company of the ancient Greeks during an historic and triumphant Olympic year, and experience the drama and excitement that swept through the city-states as they put aside their political differences to prepare for victory in Olympia.</b> <br><br>The year is <b>248 BC</b>, the year of the <b>133rd Olympic Games</b>. A diverse cast of characters is heading for <b>Olympia</b> to participate at the Games, to watch the events, or to make money from the huge crowds.<br><br>At this time the <b>Hellenistic world</b> is at its peak, with Greek settlements spread across the Middle East, Egypt and Spain. As ever, the world is politically troubled, with Rome locked in a war with Carthage, and a major war brewing between Egypt and Syria. However, ordinary people are still preoccupied with the crops, their everyday jobs, household affairs &; and in some cases, with winning an Olympic crown. <br><br>From the powerful but untrained <b>wrestler </b>who is taken in hand by a former champion to the <b>chariot team manager</b> who is prepared to win at all costs, from the <b>diplomat </b>who is using the Games as a cover to engage in political skulduggery to the <b>Spartan boy</b> who is tragically injured in a mock battle before he can compete, <i>A Year in in the Life of Ancient Greece</i> takes us through a remarkable year to reveal a complex and vivid cast of characters during this fascinating period of <b>ancient history</b>.</p> |