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Konstantine Panegyres, McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellow, researching Greco-Roman antiquity, The University of Melbourne

Wrestling with bulls, meat-only diets and sex bans: how the ancient Olympians prepared

Arkadij Schell/Shutterstock

The Greek historian Arrian (c. 86-160 AD) said he appreciated the glory of victory at an Olympic games, but also warned it was very difficult to achieve:

Do you wish to win an Olympic victory? So do I, by the gods! But consider the matters which come before that, and those which follow after, and only when you have done that, put your hand to the task.

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