Nigel Spivey
Senior lecturer in Classics at the University of Cambridge and expert commentator on ancient Greek culture and archaeology, providing scholarly context for the episode.
Best podcasts with Nigel Spivey
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Feb 20, 2026 • 55min
The Ancient Olympics
Dr Nigel Spivey, a Cambridge classics lecturer, provides scholarly context on the Ancient Olympics. He explores Olympia’s religious roots and founding myths. He narrates brutal contests like pancration and chariot racing. He outlines training, rituals, politics, and how the Games rose, evolved under Rome, and eventually vanished for centuries.
Aug 5, 2024 • 51min
The Ancient Olympics: Games Of The Gods
Dr. Nigel Spivey, an expert in the history of the ancient Olympic Games, shares fascinating insights into the origins and cultural significance of these storied events. He discusses the vibrant atmosphere of Olympia and the fierce competition that captured the imaginations of over 40,000 spectators. Spivey delves into the meaning behind athletes competing naked, the legendary feats of Milo of Croton, and how the games reflected Greek society's values. He also explores the games' decline and their lasting legacy in modern sports culture.
