The theme of the harmonious development of the citizen and its reflection in ancient Greek poetry, historiography, and philosophical prose is considered against the background of a comparative analysis of Hellenic mythology, the Homeric epic, the works of Archilochus, Tyrtaeus, Theognis, Xenophanes, Simonides of Keos, Bacchylides and other ancient Greek poets of the classical period. Much attention is paid to the formation of ethical and aesthetic standards in life, literature and art, as well as in the system of education and physical training of the Hellenes. The author connects all these issues with the history of the emergence and flourishing of the Olympic Games of antiquity. Other pan-Greek festivals (Pythian, Nemean, Isthmian, Panathenaic, etc.), as well as the features of festive competitions in the Hellenic colonies of the Northern Black Sea region, are also briefly outlined. The connection between religion, myth-making and the educational system of the ancient Greeks is shown. The book is addressed to philologists, historians, archaeologists and art historians. The monograph is illustrated with reproductions of the best works of ancient Greek sculptors and ceramic artists, dedicated to agonistic athletes and various aspects of physical education and competitions of Hellenic citizens.