Ancient Greeks gave culture a sporting chance

An ancient Greek grave stele depicts a naked young athlete and his servant boy. Whatever happened in reality, the Spartans' participation in the Olympic Games that year was prohibited, and the decision was significant given Sparta's reputation as one of the most powerful and militaristic city-states of Greece. "The Olympics became symbolic of peace thanks to the truce, and the symbolism has continued to date ever since the Games' revival in 1896 by the International Olympic Committee led by Pierre de Coubertin," says Guan. On display at the Nanjing Museum exhibition is an ancient Greek grave stele dating to a period between 400 BC and 375 BC.