The Vatican of Sport
The modern Olympic Games are an international phenomenon, often criticised for their controlling commercialism. However, as Mihir Bose explains, they owe their origins to a celebrated novel set in an English public school.
The modern Olympic Games are an international phenomenon, often criticised for their controlling commercialism. However, as Mihir Bose explains, they owe their origins to a celebrated novel set in an English public school.
The Oscar-winning film is re-released ahead of the Olympic Games.
The ancient Greek Olympics were just as enmeshed in international politics, national rivalries and commercial pressures as their modern counterpart, says David Gribble.
London 2012 will be the biggest television spectacle ever. Taylor Downing reflects on the extraordinary links between the Olympics and the moving picture throughout their histories.
David Runciman compares the 2012 games with the London Olympics of 1908 and 1948 to see what they reveal about the changing relationship between politics and sport over the last century.
Mihir Bose asks why sport has become so central to modern culture.
Ed Smith considers contingency, a factor central to both sport and history.
Viv Saunders reveals how sport and society are intertwined.
Queen Anne ordered a racecourse to be built on Ascot Heath in 1711. It was officially opened on August 11th.
Richard Cavendish traces the evolution of today's 'mega-bucks' sports industry back to 17 October 1860 and a small competition in Scotland.