The Olympics were created by the Greeks in 776BC and played until 393AD. Every four years, this religious and athletic festival was held at the Sanctuary of Zeus in Olympia and dedicated to the Gods. Representatives from the 12 Greek city-states came to compete in athletic sports and chariot racing.
According to legend, it was Heracles who created the games, and they were re-established in the 8th century BC by King Iphitos. He did this acting under the order of the Oracle at Delphi, to prevent eternal wars and to end the plague that had Greece in its grasp. No fighting was allowed to take place when the games were on - weapons were not allowed to be brought into Olympia during the festival. The games were originally a one day event until 684BC, when they were extended to three days. In the 5th century BC they were again extended to five days.
Athletes participated in running, long jump, shot put, javelin, boxing, pankration (primitive martial art: a mix of wrestling and boxing) and equestrian events. Wrestling and the Pentathlon (which included running, jumping and discus throw) were added in 708BC. The winner was presented with his award straight after the competition. A Greek judge, called a Hellanodikis, presented him with a palm branch while spectators cheered and threw flowers.
On the last day of the games, each winner's name, father's name and homeland were
read out in the temple of Zeus. The sacred olive tree wreath was then placed on his head by a Hellanodikis.
The games ended in 393BC after Emperor Theodosius outlawed such pagan cults.
Images from: http://www.olympic.org/ancient-olympic-games
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/classics/research/olympics/
I love this blog! thanks for blogging about the olympics, i have to do a project on the olypmics! ha ha ha ! ! xxx :D :) :*
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