What were the Olympics like in ancient Greece?
Origins- The Olympic games originated in ancient Greece. Olympia hosted the games every 4 years during the ancient Olympics. Spectators traveled near and far regardless of conditions to watch the games. However, Athens was home to the modern Olympics when it started back up in 1896.
Duration- The ancient Greek Olympics were originally 1 day. However, it was enlarged to 3 days in 684 B.C. Eventually in the 5th century B.C., they were to be expanded to 5 days. Participation- In order to compete in the ancient Olympics, you must be a free male Greek citizen. The ancient Olympics neglected social class and all occupations were eligible to participate in the Olympic games. The competitors varied from aristocrats(people who had the time and money to put in so they could compete) or they were professional athletes. Women- Married and unmarried women were not allowed to compete in the Olympics until the 2nd century A.D. However, unmarried women could spectate while married women could not. As a result, they competed short races at their sporting event which was called the Heraia. Advantages- During the Olympics, all ancient Greek city-states signed a sacred truce which allowed athletes and spectators to travel safely amongst each other. Also, the Olympic games were a 5 day hiatus to all wars. As a result, people from all around ancient Greece came to compete or watch the Olympics harmoniously. Culture- The Olympic games were religious festivals and sporting events where the Greeks honored their gods. They had many religious rituals, for example, every four years, to mark the start of the ancient Olympic games, a black ram was to be slaughtered and it was a tradition to let its blood drip onto the earth's ground. Training- Under oath, ancient Olympic athletes began to train for the games ten months prior to the ancient Olympics. It was usual for ancient Olympic athletes to listen to a flute because the ancient Greeks believed that music develops rhythm and harmony to the athletes movements. Athletes also smothered themselves in sand to prevent excessive sweating and regulate their body temperature which allowed them to train anywhere and anytime. Winning- Regardless of what you sport you win in, all winners receive an amphora, which is a vessel filled with precious olive oil. The outer part of the vessel depicts them at their event. However, if you win 1st place, the games were to be named after you. |
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