Ancient Greek Olympics

In 776 BC, which were about 3,000 years ago, the first Olympic Games took place. The Ancient Greek is one of the most fascinating topics in History. But this blog will focus on the Olympics! The Olympics was one of all four all Greek{Pan Hellenic} games. Even though the games were named after Mount Olympus they weren't played there. Instead they were held in the religious sanctuary of Olympia, located near Greece's southwest coast.

What Events and Awards were Part of the Ancient Olympics

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At the beginning , the games were just short foot races designed to keep Greek men fit for the intensity of war. The path for the foot races was about 700 feet long and straight. It was also wide enough for 20 men to run side by side. Only men who spoke Greek were allowed to take part in races.

Men ran the races without any clothes on .Gradually other events were added but there were no team sports like in the modern Olympics. Also, there were no medals like the gold, silver and bronze medals we have today. There was only one winner and he was given a wreath of olive leaves as a prize. But these weren't just any olive leaves. These olive leaves were taken from a sacred tree that was located at Olympia behind the temple dedicated to Zeus. To reward his mastery of the events, a statue was built in the winner's honour. The games were hold every 4 years.

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Where were the Olympics Held?

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