Book Presentation and Lecture on Agonistic Culture and the Sporting Origins of Democracy

On July 8, a presentation of the new book "The Value of the Agon: Sport, Law, and Education in Ancient Greece" was held at New Vision University's Eco Campus. 

The publication belongs to Professor Emanuele Isidori – head of the Education Science PhD Program at New Vision University and Professor at Foro Italico University of Rome. Among the authors are also Antonio Sánchez-Pato and Francisco Javier López Frías, while the prefaces were written by Gennaro Terracciano and Valentino Berton.

The book examines the profound significance of the agon, as the ancient Greek concept of structured competition, not only in sport but also in the formation of ancient Greece's law, education, and civic life. It shows us how sport was an integral part of the ideals of justice, equality, and social unity for the ancient Greeks, and what contribution this culture made to the development of democratic principles that continue to influence modern society today.

From a multidisciplinary perspective, "The Value of the Agon" discusses such issues as the example of the Olympic truce as an early international peacekeeping practice, the ethical and legal foundations of Greek sporting competitions, and the close connection between sporting excellence and the development of civic virtues. This work offers readers a unique perspective on how ancient Greek agonistic culture can provide answers to contemporary challenges – violence, inequality, and social fragmentation.