James G. Thompson

image of James G. Thompson

Ph.D., 1971, Sport History, Penn State
Professor Emeritus of Exercise and Sport Science

Contact Information

271C Recreation Building
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA 16802

(814) 863-6728
Fax: (814) 863-7360

jgt1@psu.edu

Research Interests

Ancient Greek history, including the Aegean Bronze Age through the Classical period (ca 3000-323 B.C.). Specific research has focused on physical education as an important aspect of ancient Greek education. Additional areas of interest include Minoan bull-vaulting, the Panhellenic Games of ancient Greece, and athletic interaction with politics.

Selected Publications

Thompson, J.G. (1994). The Agora: An ancient sports center. Journal of Sport History.

Thompson, J.G. (1995). Was bull vaulting possible at Gournia? Archaeological News.

Thompson, J.G. (1997). Odyssey 8: Fitzgeralds's faux pas and athletics. Aethlon: Journal of Sport Literature.