The Olympic Games - Greece
108 years after holding the first "Modern Olympics", the games are finally returned home to their birthplace; Athens successfully held the 2004 Olympics. The Olympic Games are probably the most important sporting event in the world, and for Greece, the 2004 Games will be even more special. The Olympic Games however, have a lot more to their history than the first of the modern games that took place in Athens in 1896.
Brief History of the Olympics
The first recorded Olympic Games took place in Olympia, in the beautiful region of Elias, in 776 BC. ( See Image To The Right )
There is evidence however, to support the claim that the games had been taking place a lot earlier than 776 BC, but these were not as organised or held every four years, as the 776 BC games had been.
The name of each Olympiad was named after the competitor of the stadium race, which was the favourite of all the events. The first Olympiad was named Koroibos of Elias, as he was the winner of the stadium race in 776 BC.
Olympia was, and still is, a beautiful place, and many temples and statues were built. These were all built in dedication to Zeus, the Father of all Gods. Olympia also became a centre for religion in the Mycenaean period.
The temples that were built in Olympia were all for a reason, and were of
importance. The temple of Zeus, had as its centrepiece, a
gold and ivory statue of Zeus. Standing at about 12
meters in height, the statue was very impressive.
( See Image To The Left )The statue, sculptured by Phidias, was seen as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Also near to the temple of Zeus, was the wild olive tree from which the wreath crowns were made and presented to the winners of the events. Legend has it, this tree was planted by Herakles (Hercules).
In the beginning, the games consisted of only one event, the running of the stadium, and lasted for just one day. However, towards the 5th century, the games were extended to five days, and more events were also added.
From 729 BC the participants of the games had to compete in the nude in order to prevent any cheating, and also in the interest of safety. Originally, only Greeks born males, who had not committed murder or heresy, where allowed to take part in the games. However, later on, Romans were also permitted to take part. Women were forbidden to compete, and were even banned from entering the stadium to watch the games.
