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Essay / The Modern Olympics: Traditions of the Modern Games
A good example of this is a subchapter in his book called Sports Bars on Wheels. Until the Games, it appears that moderation regarding alcohol was enforced. Public drunkenness was so discouraged that “meden agan,” meaning “everything in moderation,” was engraved on temple pediments. Putting that slogan aside, the game brought in wine sellers who became very popular and profitable. A Greek physician named Mnesitheus had argued that excessive alcohol consumption had positive, purgative effects on health. Wine carts were discontinued at all other times of the year, but most only used their services during the Olympics, when it was not considered as such.