These games took place in Olympia from 776 B.C. to 393 A.D. to honor the god of the skies, Zeus. Similar to modern Olympics these games took place every four years in the months of either September or August. These games were a huge deal so if there was a war going on at the time the two apposing forces would call a truce so the games could be held. The city where the Olympics were held was called Olympia but, there was no actual city per say, meaning that no one lived there. It was a city that was used for only the five days the Olympics lasted. The Greeks found this event so important that they referred to the year based off the Olympics. As stated before these games were in honor of Zeus and he had a sanctuary built just for him next to the stadium.
Spectators and Competitors
During the Olympics women were not allowed to watch with the exception of Demeter's servant and some young girls. The gods would spectate from atop Mt. Olympus. Of course all men were allowed to watch and all competitors were male as well. People that could not participate were women and villains.
Events
Throughout the games there were religious banquets and ceremonies and obviously the games themselves. The events included:
All but the last two events on the list above took place in the nude. During events like wrestling and boxing the fighting was very violent and sometimes even deadly.
- Foot races at distances of 200, 400 and 4,000 meters
- Pentathlon (discus, long jump, javelin, running, and wrestling)
- Wrestling
- Boxing
- Pankration (wrestling and boxing; anything allowed with the exception of biting and gauging)
- Foot race in armor
- Four horse and single horse chariot races
All but the last two events on the list above took place in the nude. During events like wrestling and boxing the fighting was very violent and sometimes even deadly.
Prizes
The winner received a crown of wild olive leaves and there was no prize for second or third. Although the winning prize seems like nothing winning came with a lot more. Cities everywhere wanted someone from there city to win so they would give prizes to their winner like tickets to different events or free meals for life. The winner also got a statue of themselves at Olympia and poets would write poems about them.
Other Competitions
There were many other competitions that honored various gods. Every year it was set up so there was at least one competition, including:
Heraia held in honor of the goddess Hera
Nema held in honor of the god Zeus
Isthmian held in honor of Poseidon
Heraia held in honor of the goddess Hera
- for young women
- different age divisions
- only foot races
- held every four years
- wore tunics
Nema held in honor of the god Zeus
Isthmian held in honor of Poseidon
Modern Olympics
The Olympics are still bring held today but, have definitely changed. They were restarted in 1896 by Pierre de Coubertin a french man. They now allow both genders to play and there are many more events.