The Ancient Olympics
A Brief Look at the First Olympics
Several myths surround the beginning of the Olympics, including that they were founded by Zeus himself or by the hero Hercules. Instead the Olympics were originally part of a religious festival at the temple sanctuary of Olympia. The festival was held during the second full moon following the summer solstice, usually falling in July or August. The three months leading up to the festivities were marked by a truce between all Greek cities to allow competitors safe travel to the games, even through enemy territory.
Ancient Olympic Venue
The various events of the festival took place in the “sacred precinct” at the sanctuary of Zeus. At first this area only included the temples of Zeus and his wife Hera, the altar of Zeus and what was known as the “sacred grove”. As the festival that included the Olympics began to grow other structures were added, including treasuries, other temples, four oracles and many statues, altars and dedications. Other buildings were also added to host the games and an arena for equestrian events.
Ancient Olympic Competitors
The only people allowed to compete were free Greek men. Women were not allowed to participate and often were not allowed even to watch. The term “Greek” was loosely defined both linguistically and mythologically, meaning those who spoke Greek and could claim a historical connection to Greek tradition could be counted as Greek. This also meant that competitors could come from as far away as Spain or even Africa.
Much like the modern day Olympics the competitors were not amateurs and instead had professional and highly paid trainers. They spent a lot of time training for the Olympics and often competed at other events and festivals. Some competitors even became something of professional athletes. The equestrian events, namely chariot races, took an especially large amount of money and so athletes had to find wealthy aristocrats to sponsor them.
Ancient Olympic Events
At the start of the first Olympics the footrace was the only competition, and remained so until the eighteenth Olympiad. Over time other events were added including fighting (boxing or wrestling and what was known as the pankration or “all-out brawl”), equestrian events (both riding and chariot racing) and track and field events. The track and field events of ancient Greece included running, discus and javelin throwing.
Ancient Olympic Prizes
In these early Olympics only the first place winner was recognized. The winner received a laurel crown and the right to erect a commemorative statue at Olympia if they chose to do so. However the real prize came once the victor had returned home. They were often given much more in their own cities, usually in the form of free meals, and public adoration.
Sources:
Nelson, Eric and Susan Allard-Nelson. The complete Idiot’s Guide to Ancient Greece. New York: Alpha Books, 2004.
Perrottet, Tony. The Naked Olympics: The True Story of the Ancient Games. Random House Trade Paperbacks, 2004
More in History
Latest Articles