This book authored by Dr. Michael O’Kane and Dr. John A. Martino, explores the origins of the Olympic Games. At Olympia, a Greek sees light in the darkness, recognizing a different way to settle conflicts with honor and courage. This torch of peace will burn for thousands of years, a beacon of hope in the chaos and strife of ancient Greece and the Mediterranean. Kingdoms strive for dominance, but the Greeks’ internal wars weaken them while Carthage and Egypt watch with avarice. The people suffer under their rulers, and famine and pestilence accompany conflict. The great rulers are helpless to end this cycle of destruction. Life on the battlefield is cheap, but the slave trade flourishes during endless battle and death. Kings and queens seek divine wisdom, but the gods seem to prefer combat to diplomacy. From here is the backdrop of the story of this book. (This book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.)