The Olympic Games Ancient Games and the Modern Games

The Ancient Olympics Began in 776 BC at Olympia, Greece Originally a religious ceremony in honor of the Greek gods. –100 oxen were sacrificed at the beginning of the Games –“Olympic Truce:” All wars and battles were halted so that everyone could come and watch the Games. –Based on 4-year periods called Olympiads

Original Running Track: Olympia, Greece

The Olympic Athlete Men only allowed to play Men had to play in the nude or with very little clothing (“gymnos”) Running was the only event at the first Games

Rules In wrestling… No biting, No eye gouging, Breaking opponent’s limbs was legal, In boxing… Both men played until one gave up or died In Greece, there was no Second Place Only winners were honored, the losers were ignored Winners were given a laurel wreath for their head

The end of the Ancient Games Ended in 394 AD by the Roman Emperor Theodosius, who was a Christian Considered them “pagan” games

The Modern Games Revived in 1896 and first hosted in Athens, Greece No women allowed to take part Medals replaced the laurel wreaths

Berlin, 1936 Hosted by the Nazis Germans believe they were the best athletes in the world Jessie Owens, a Black American runner, won four medals and shattered that myth

Munich, 1972 Terrorists took several Israeli athletes hostage They were killed as they were being rescued

Atlanta, 1996 Centennial of the Games Many thought it would go to Athens, Greece 10,000+ athletes took part Bomb exploded in Centennial Park

The Olympics Come Home Athens 2004 Over 10,000 athletes to take part Pumped over $1billion into the Greek economy

Olympics Medals to be awarded in Athens SilverGoldBronze

Future Olympic Cities Winter Sochi, Russia Summer Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Winter Pyeongchang, South KoreaPyeongchang