Agones on the Greek Agora between Ritual and Spectacle: Some Examples from the Peloponnese

The lack of a specific study dedicated to the agonistic aspect of the Greek agora, illustrating the ritual significance of the competitions that took place there, was the inspiration behind this contribution to the history of ancient Greek rituals.The relationship between agon and agora should not be understood merely as a topographical one, with dominant cultural and political links. Both institutions, in fact, trace their origins back to the burial sites of common ancestors in the protourban centres: it was here that the most ancient agonistic celebrations must have been held in honour of distinguished persons (those fallen in battle or prominent figures of the growing community); and the first political, military and judicial assemblies always took place beside the tombs of such persons and were thus under their protection.