The Olympic Games

In Ancient Greece

The Olympic games started in Ancient Greece in 776bc . No women were allowed to watch the games and only Greek nationals could participate. The Olympic games originated in athletic contests in honour of Zeus at Olympia.

Fun facts about the Olympics in Ancient Greece

All the competitors at the Olympic Games were naked, except for perhaps a coating of oil.

One mother was so keen to see her son compete that she broke the no-women rule, and got in disguised as a man!

The famous wrestler Milo was said to train

by carrying a calf every day. As the calf

grew heavier, his muscles got stronger.

The Olympic games included competitions for trumpeters. Horse races involved lots of falling off, because Greek riders had no stirrups. It was easier to drive a chariot.

What did the Women do during the Olympics?

Only men, boys and unmarried girls were allowed to attend the Olympic Games. Married women were not allowed into the Olympic Games. Any women caught sneaking in were punished! Women could own horses in the chariot race though.

Unmarried women had their own festival at Olympia every four years. This was the Heraia, held in honour of Hera, wife of Zeus. At the festival there were three different running events and women of girls could take part in it. Winners were awarded crowns of sacred olive branches, the same as men. As a rule Greek women did not go in for sport, unless they were Spartans.

On this pot you can see two boxers competing against each other in the Olympics, It must of really hurt as they weren't allowed to wear clothes, even when they were boxing!

This picture shows a winner at the Games receiving his prize of palm branches. He is also given wool ribbons to tie around his head, arms or legs.

Events

Boxing: Boxers fought until one man was knocked out, or admitted he had been beaten. Unlike the modern sport, there were no rounds, and there was no rule against hitting an opponent when he was down.

In the ancient Olympics there were a number of events and here are a few.

Pankration: Like a combination of boxing and wrestling, in this event the combatants were allowed to punch, though biting and gouging an opponent's eyes, nose, or mouth with fingernails was not allowed.

Wrestling: This event was similar to the modern sport - with three successful throws necessary to win a match. An athlete needed to throw his opponent on the ground, landing on a hip, shoulder, or back for a fair fall. Biting and genital holds were illegal.

The modern Olympic flame.

Some ancient events included a relay race in which a torch was passed from one runner to the next, the last runner of the winning team lit a fire on the altar this event has been adapted for the modern Olympics as lighting the Olympic flame.

Official ancient Olympics anthemAncient immortal spirit, pure fatherOf the beautiful, the great and the true,Descend, appear, and emblaze this placeWith the glory of your own earth and sky. In the race, the grappling, and the toss,Kindle the impulse in all noble contests,Crown with the perennial wreath,And fashion the steely and worthy body.

Plains, mountains, and seas glow in your presenceLike some great clear porphyrous shrine,And every nation hurries here to your templeIn supplication, ancient immortal spirit.

Costis Palamas (1859-1942)

We hope you`ve enjoyed our PowerPoint about the Ancient Greek Olympics.

Ancient Olympia. http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/ancient_greeks/the_olympic_games/http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/ancient_greeks/the_olympic_games

To find out more about the ancient Olympics click the link below.