Expert:
Dr. David Gilman Romano
Senior Research Scientist, Mediterranean Section
The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

Quote:
“In ancient Athens, it was important that the torches be kept lighted, since if the torch went out the team was disqualified. Although the torch relay was a running event it was not a part of the regular program of athletic contests celebrated at the Panathenaic Games in Athens which was itself a festival in honor of Athena and held on her birthday. It was a civic event rather than a religious event of the Panathenaic Games.”

Credentials:
• Expert on the ancient Olympic Games
• Doctor of Classical Archaeology