GLASGOW.- The Burrell Collection presents today Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes, on view through May 4, 2009. The Ancient Greeks have shaped and influenced the history of mankind from the 8th century BC to the present day. They invented democracy and the Olympic Games, made major discoveries in the fields of astronomy, science and medicine and laid the foundations of western literature, philosophy and civic life.

Their architecture, sculpture and painted pottery have influenced artists the world over while Greek myths, telling extraordinary tales of the relationships between gods, heroes and mortals, have captivated audiences for over two thousand years.

Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes is a major new exhibition from the British Museum focusing on the theme of competition in the Ancient Greek world: in sporting events such as the Olympics, as well as in politics, drama, music and warfare. The exhibition forms one of the largest selections of Greek artefacts ever loaned by the British Museum and includes wonderful examples of marble sculptures, black and red-figured vases.

It has been inspired by the web site launched by the British Museum in 2006, an acclaimed online resource for teachers, pupils, their families and all who are interested in this subject.