alt Hacker NewsI don't see the need to ascribe anything to an agenda. This is an article for popular consumption. They are focusing on the exciting bits (the gladiator stuff) and skimping on the wider cultural background. All pretty standard for popular science articles.
How does that necesitate using the less descriptive 'Greek-style athletic contests' than just saying Greek athletic contests? Wouldn't it be better to use the more familiar Greek or identifier in the case of popular consumption?