Introduction. Athletes and religion ; The prehistory of athletes ; Great festivals and games.
Olympia. The site ; Olympia and the Olympic Games ; Zeus ; Olympia over the centuries.
Delphi. The site ; Foundation myths and legends ; Apollo ; Delphi through the ages.
Isthmia. The site ; Foundation myths and legends ; Poseidon ; Isthmia over the centuries.
Nemea. The site ; Foundation myths ; Nemea over the centuries.
The Panathenaia. Foundation myths and traditions ; Athena ; The organisation and conduct of the festival: The preparation of the festival, The officials, The Panathenaic procession, The contests, Venues for the preparation and conduct of the games, The end of the Panathenaia.
Other Greek and Roman games. Local games in Greece: The Heraia at Argos, Games in Macedonia, The games at Larisa, The Asklepieia of Epidauros ; Games in the Hellenistic East ; The games and the Roman emperors ; Games in the East in Roman times: The Olympic Games of Antioch ; The end of the ancient games.
The events, rules and great champions. Running ; THe Pentathlon: Jumping, Discus, Javelin ; The heavy events: Wrestling, Boxing, The pankration ; Equestrian events: The races, The rules, Famous owners and charioteers.