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

Presentation of the New Book: The Value of the Agon: Sport, Law, and Education in Ancient Greece and a Lecture “Agonistic Culture and the Sporting Origins of Western Democracy”.

July 8, 16:00 at 11, N.Bokhua Str., New Vision University Ecocampus, Audimax. Working language – English.

We are proud to present The Value of the Agon: Sport, Law, and Education in Ancient Greece, a new volume written by Prof. Emanuele Isidori, Professor and a co-head of the Education Science PhD Program of New Vision University, and a Professor of Foro Italico University of Rome, Italy, with contributions from Antonio Sánchez-Pato, Francisco Javier López Frías, and prefaces by Gennaro Terracciano and Valentino Berton. This groundbreaking book delves into the profound role of the agon—the ancient Greek concept of structured competition—not just as an athletic event but as a crucial foundation for Greek law, education, and civic life. It reveals how sports in ancient Greece were intertwined with the ideals of justice, fairness, and community, and how these competitions helped shape the democratic principles that continue to influence modern societies.

Through a multidisciplinary lens, The Value of the Agon explores topics such as the Olympic truce as an early example of international peacekeeping, the ethical and legal frameworks of Greek athletic contests, and the powerful connection between sporting excellence and the development of civic virtues. This book provides a unique perspective on how ancient Greek agonistic culture can inspire solutions to contemporary issues such as violence, inequality, and social fragmentation.

To celebrate the book’s release, we invite you to join a special lecture titled “Agonistic Culture and the Sporting Origins of Western Democracy”, where key themes from the book will be explored in depth, offering valuable insights for educators, students, historians, and all those interested in the enduring legacy of ancient Greece.

Discover how the timeless lessons of the Greek agon can guide us toward a fairer, more inclusive society today!