The Olympics

Olympic Games Athletic contests held by the ancient Greeks about 3500 years ago and revived in modern times

Established in 1913 and first used 1920 The five Olympic circles represent the five continents: Africa, North and South America, Asia and Australia. They are connected to symbolize the sports friendship amongst all the people in the world.

Ruins of the Training Grounds at Olympia

Hera’s alter site where the Olympic flame is ignited every 4 years

The Flame burned throughout the games. symbolized the death and rebirth of Greek heroes

Olympic Motto The Olympic motto is, "Citius, Altius, Fortius," which means "Swifter, Higher, Stronger."

Winners at the early games, rewards were simple crowns of wild olive, later, by the 61st Olympiad, permission was granted to erect statues for the victors. A victor had to win three times before a statue would be erected in his likeness. later, it was often the practice to make a breach in the walls of the city through which the victorious athletes returned.

Religious Celebration Honoring Zeus

Ruins of Olympia Training Grounds

All wars were stopped for the games to allow people to travel safely to Olympia. The Games were part of a holy festival (holiday). People went to the temple to pray to their god, Zeus, then went to the stadium to watch running races.

God worship, music, oratory and theatrical performances, features of the ancient Olympian Games are no longer part of today's Olympics. The only feature still acknowledged, is the relay of the Olympic Torch.

Olympic Participants All Greek free citizens who had not committed a major crime Women could not take part except as owners in the horse races. Only unmarried women could watch the games Married women attending the games would be sentenced to death.

Olympic Athletes

Olympic Games Boxing Wrestling Running Javelin throwing Discus throwing Held every 4 years to honor Zeus

The Pentathlon Took place on Day 2: Discus Javelin Jumping Running Wrestling If one athlete won the first three events - the final two events were cancelled.

Foot Racing The role of running in ancient Greece was not just a contest. Before it was a competition, running was a necessity. Running had many uses. It was used in battle and to bring news. It was also used in sport, to honor gods, and for self-honor.

Equestrian Events Horse racing and chariot racing took place in the Hippodrome, a wide, level, open space.

Hippodrome- place where horse and chariot races took place

Horse Racing Only wealthy people could afford to pay for the training, equipment, and feed of both the driver (or jockey) and the horses. As a result, the owner received the olive wreath of victory instead of the driver or jockey.

Chariot Racing

Javelin Throwing

made from elder wood made to be about the height of the athlete athletic javelins were made lighter than military ones, to throw for distance thrown using a leather thong wrapped around the shaft that would unwind to make the shaft spin and ensure a steadier flight.

Javelin Throwing There were two events that involved the javelin throw: one was for distance and the other for accuracy hitting a target

Discus Throwing Game that the Greeks loved the most Sizes varied, since the boys' division was not expected to throw the same weight as the mens‘

Discus Throwing Most surviving ancient discuses are made from bronze. To ensure fairness, three official discuses were kept at Olympia. It is not believed that throwers made more than a three-quarter turn before throwing.

Long Jumping long jump was a standing jump, using two weights called halteres made from stone, metal, or probably lead. The style of the weights changed with time. Earlier jumps in the competition were marked by pegs in the ground. The long jump was often accompanied by music

Jumping Athletes held onto the weights until the end of their flight, and then jettisoned them backwards. A flute player, whose sounds underlined the rhythm and musical flow of properly executed jump, at times accompanied the athletes.

Running usually a sprint, one or two lengths of the stadium. a starting block of grooved stone where the athletes stood with arms stretched forward, one foot in front of the other.

Wrestling

Wrestlers were covered in oil so it was hard for them to get a grip on each other. If an athlete's back or shoulders touched the ground, it was a "fall". Three falls won the fight. Refereeing was easy, as sand from the ground showed if shoulders or back had touched. Fights went on until there was a winner.

Boxing Boxers wrapped straps (himantes) around their hands to strengthen their wrists and steady their fingers. These straps were first soft but as time progressed, boxers started using hard leather straps, often causing the disfiguring of their opponent's face.

Only men were allowed to participate, unlike today’s games. These games were considered a way to prepare for war. The man who won was esteemed and his family honored.