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The Olympics, from Ancient Olympic Games to the Modern Olympics The Olympic Games go back many centuries. How we know the Olympic Games today is not so different to how it was in the beginning, when they were held in Olympia, Greece. Tens of thousands of people from across the globe watch the modern day Olympics and support their nation's finest athletes. It is also an incredible event that seems to unite all of these nations together, to celebrate good sportsmanship and international relations. These much anticipated games got their name from the place they were first held - Olympia, Greece. Even back then it was agreed that these games were the most important of the times. Now we said they were ancient, the first recorded games date back to 776 BC - although they are believed to have began even before this date. Some historians would say that they began after the Greek god Zeus helped Heracles in war. As a thank you, Heracles set up the games in Olympia to pay his respects to Zeus. Winning such sports events in those times were just as honorable as they are today. Although now the top three in any event will receive gold, silver and bronze medals, the ancient athletes were awarded a special 'kotino' to be worn on the crown of their heads. The kotino was a wreath said to be made from sacred olive trees. Those who were awarded the kotino were also said to be immortal - a little far-fetched to believe now, but as you can see - the winners themselves were rewarded God-like statuses. As with today, the ancient games brought good relations between neighboring cities from within Greece. Furthermore, the games would be held every four years until 393AD (around 1200 years). It wasn't until the invasion of the Christian faith and the Roman Emperor Theodosius I, that the games were banned on the belief that they followed the Pagan faith. It was an awfully long time until the games were up and running again - in the year 1896.
The Ancient Olympic Games and Sporting Events In the earliest times of the Olympic Games, sporting events were only held for one day, gradually becoming three days and then five. The first ever sporting event of the Olympic Games was a 200 metre race or 'stade' as it was then known. It was in fact the only race that existed until a few more were added - also running events which covered longer distances. After a short time the games became more interesting with non-running events such as wrestling, discus throwing and jumping. One event that ceased to exist in the modern games was horse and chariot races. Back then, you didn't have to be within a sports club to take part in the games - as long as you were Greek and male you could attempt to qualify. As for the women, they didn't participate, but they were allowed to watch the games so long as they were not married! The first Olympic Champion recorded was a man named Coroebus from 776BC. Choosing to run the stade naked, he succeeded all over competitors to be the first Olympic Champion in history. We can be glad that the days of naked Olympians are over - but happy that the games remain and become ever more competitive as the years go by. This is an original news article © The Kids Window
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