Greece is the home country of the Olympic Games. Olympia, a Greek city, was known to be a very important to the athletes of the time, and is the city in which these game started. The Olympic games get their name from their city of origin Olympia. The Olympic games, were and are still held every four years; the olympic games were an important part of Greek life. The Olympics initiated somewhere around 776 BCE, but there are disputes that the games may have started earlier. So how did it all come about? Greece was made up of several city states, and when these games came everyone forgot about their problems, and focussed on supporting their country-- Greece.
All free male Greek citizens were entitled to participate in the ancient Olympic Games, regardless of their social status. Women on the other hand were not allowed to participate nonetheless attend these popular games. For men it was a great honor to be part of these
games representing the city of origin, and bringing home the victory.
The ancient Olympic games did not start with the numerous amount of games we enjoy watching in the modern olympics. Below are the games played during the ancient Olympics, and brief description
Jumping
Athletes used stone or lead weights called halteres to increase the distance of a jump. They held onto the weights until the end of their flight, and then jettisoned them backwards.
Discus throw
The discus was originally made of stone and later of iron, lead or bronze. The technique was very similar to today's freestyle discus throw.
Wrestling
This was highly valued as a form of military exercise without weapons. It ended only when one of the contestants admitted defeat.
Boxing
Boxers wrapped straps (himantes) around their hands to strengthen their wrists and steady their fingers. Initially, these straps were soft but, as time progressed, boxers started using hard leather straps, often causing disfigurement of their opponent's face.
Pankration
This was a primitive form of martial art combining wrestling and boxing, and was considered to be one of the toughest sports. Greeks believed that it was founded by Theseus when he defeated the fierce Minotaur in the labyrinth.
Equestrian events
These included horse races and chariot races and took place in the Hippodrome, a wide, flat, open space.
(Source: http://www.olympic.org/ancient-olympic-games?tab=The-sports-events)
Begin to Think:
As you read each other comments and reflections on the Ancient Olympic games I want you to start focussing on the some similarities, and differences between ancient and modern day Olympics.
For my girls who may not be so fixated on learning on sports I want you think about the role of women during this time. Im sure many of you have at least watched one game on T.V during the Olympics put yourself in the position of women back then and how they were not allowed to attend these popular events. How would you feel? Do you think there was equality?
Begin to analyze the evolution of the games, society, and its importance throughout the years!
