Gli agonisti. Una storia quasi vera della Napoli greco-romana

On a hot day in the second century BC, the streets of Neapolis are all talk of a sporting event. The young wrestler Sosthenes, a beloved champion of whom the city is proud, has been challenged by Philogonios of Croton. At stake is the title of best Italian athlete, but also participation in the next Olympics. Handsome as Apollo, Philogonios arrives in the great city, with its temples and fraternities, so different from the countryside of his lush homeland. Passion and sacrifice for sport – the "pankration", the most strenuous athletic event – unites the two young men. But a dark omen also looms over their encounter.