or Atherton, a town of Warwickshire in England, situated on the river Stour, in W. Long. 1° 30' N. Lat. 52° 40'. It is a considerable town, and had formerly a monastery; but now is best known by its fair, which is the greatest in England for cheese.

ATHLETÆ, in antiquity, persons of strength and agility, disciplined to perform in the public games. The word is originally Greek, ἀθλητής; formed from ἀθλος, certamen, combat; whence also ἀθλητής, the prize or reward adjudged the victor. Under athlete were comprehended wrestlers, boxers, runners, leapers, throwers of the disk, and those practised in other exercises exhibited in the Olympic, Pythian, and other solemn sports; for the conquerors wherein there were established prizes.