The Ancient Olympic games were a religious celebration held every four years to honor Zeus. They brought together people from all over the Greek city-states and were important for politics and culture. Representatives would compete in athletic events to bring glory to their city-state. A truce was established to allow safe travel for competitors, and those who broke it faced bans and fines. Over time, more events and sports were added to the games. Winners received olive wreaths and money from their city-states and had statues erected in their honor.

1. History of the Ancient
Olympic Games
History of the Ancient
Olympic Games
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Hippodrome.
History for kids
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2. History of the Ancient
Olympic Games
The Ancient Olympic games were a religious celebration as
well as a sporting event. They were held to honour Zeus, the
King of the Gods and since they
occurred every 4 years, were also used
to count the passing of years. The
games played an integral part in the
politics and culture of the region
because it attracted Kings,
philosophers, artists, and
musicians, other than the
athletes that competed.
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3. When the games began political power in Greece revolved
around city-states. They existed quite close together and
fought with each other for power over the resources around
them. Representatives from each city-state would compete in
the games to bring glory and honour to
their city-state and establish their athletic
excellence in front of others.
OLYMPIC POLITICS
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History of the Ancient
Olympic Games

4. The games were so important that a truce was established for
the duration of the games. Once the truce or ekecheiria was
announced to ensure the safe travel of the competitors, all
states had to stop fighting or be banned from the games and
pay heavy fines.
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History of the Ancient
Olympic Games

5. OLYMPIC PARTICIPANTS
Participation in the ancient games were quite restrictive. Only
free men (slaves weren't allowed) who could speak Greek were
allowed to compete. However, kings, royalty, and philosophers
alike were allowed to enter so long as they fit the criteria. Men
competed completely naked because the games were also a
way of celebrating the human form. This could also be the
reason why married women were
not allowed to participate or
be spectators.
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History of the Ancient
Olympic Games

6. At first the Olympic games was a one-day affair with only one
event known as the stadion. This was a short sprint of 240
metres. Soon, it was extended to 5 days and more events were
added. Athletics were always the most important of them all.
Over time other athletic events
such as high and long jump,
discus throw, and other forms
of running events were added.
As the popularity of the
games increased and the
competition became more
fierce wrestling, boxing, and
equestrian (horsing) events
were added as well.
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EVENTS
History of the Ancient
Olympic Games

7. The winner of an event was awarded an olive branch and red
ribbons were tied to his wrists and legs. He was awarded large
sums of money by his city-state along with vats of olive oil.
Cities greatly celebrated victors and erected statues in their
name.
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History of the Ancient
Olympic Games

8. The horse and chariot races took place in a stadium called the
Hippodrome. Can you find out where the name came from?
Hint: It has a strong relation to King Pelops, one of the people
said to have started the ancient Olympic games.
PROJECT
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Hippodrome.
History of the Ancient
Olympic Games
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