The Filthy Crown

The Filthy Crown investigates ancient athletic glory through the costs, rules, bodies, and political interests surrounding victory. Beginning with Pausanias’ account of the Zanes—bronze statues financed by fines for offenses at Olympia—the book asks how a sanctuary remembered cheating and defended its authority. Its Stadium Scrutiny Protocol follows entry into competition, athletic preparation, permitted violence and prohibited conduct, official judgment, and the value of the victory crown. Training, patronage, civic reputation, chari...