Valor cultural e ético do "Espetáculo esportivo" na Grécia antiga

Abstract

In Ancient Greece, the athletic practice, even before being a pedagogical object, was a way of cultural augmentation, and its transmission for all was mainly done through the Public Games. Athletic practice had sacred character and looked to celebrate and honor the gods. During that time, the Games held in Olympia grew in importance, becoming the central event of the entire Greek culture. Wars were interrupted and crowds headed there to enjoy the Olympic Games. It was during these occasions that new heroes were recognized and in these moments when man came closer to the gods, achieving transcendence. Over time, the values inherent in each social group transformed, even in Greece. The religious tradition was supplanted by the spectacle of performances by professional athletes, reaching its peak soon after the beginning of the Roman domain. This paper aims to make a brief reflection of this framework, supported mainly by the mythology.