The Olympic Games 

 

 

The Olympic games Greek city-states enjoyed their independence, however also liked to share what they had in common. The Olympic games was an important way in which this could be achieved. The Olympic games represented two aspects of what Greeks considered important:The central role played by religion, as religious ceremonies and sacrifices were very important part of the games.The importance of competition in Greek life (evidence of which in drama and poetry contests).The Greek Olympic games were named after site of Olympia on the eastern side of Greece.

 

The Olympic games are held in the honour of Zeus, the chief of the Greek gods, and his statue of ivory and gold in the sanctuary at Olympia. To stress the significance of the games they measured dates from the first Olympiad in 776BCE, just as the Christians date events from the birth of Jesus. During the 6 August and 19 September during late summer, and a sacred truce was enacted for the safe travel of all games. Athletic Events:In the earliest days of the Olympic games the events only last for one day. Some sources have suggested that they were held at the time of the full moon, so the events could continue into the night. In the early days of the games the only event was the stade race. Competitors would run the length of the stade (stadium), about 200 metres.

 

Gradually as the games became more popular more events were started:The diaulos, a race the length of two shades (724BCE)The dolichos, a race the length of 24 shades (720 BCE)The pentathalon, in which the contestants competed in the sprint, long jump, javelin, discus and wrestling (708 BCE)Boxing (688 BCE)Chariot races around the 530- metre hippodrome (racehorse track) (680 BCE)Prankration, a vicious blend of wrestling and boxing in which kicking and hitting were allowed (648 BCE). As more events were introduced into the games the duration of them increased from one day to five days, but the first and last days were devoted to religious ceremonies. There were no prizes to be won or economic value, just wreath cut with a golden knife from the sacred olive trees. To a Greek this was the greatest honour a man could receive. Upon his return home city, the champion would be treated as a hero and given many prizes.