The Ancient lympics

1. The Ancient lympics

2. The Ancient Olympics • Began in 776 BC at Olympia, Greece • Originally a religious ceremony in honor of the Greek gods. • 100 oxen were sacrificed at the beginning of the Games • “Olympic Truce:” All wars and battles were halted so that everyone could come and watch the Games. • Based on 4-year periods called Olympiads • Usually on July or August, depending on the date of the second full moon after the summer solstice. • It was always hot while competing in the Olympics. • They were held near Pisa. • It lasted 5 days.

4. Men only allowed to play Men had to play in the nude or with very little clothing (“gymnos”) Running was the only event at the first Games First, competitors had to go to the city of Elis a month before the games Once they were there, they had to go through a tough training regiment specially designed to pick out those who weren’t worthy of Olympic standards. No shame was brought upon you if you decided to drop out before the games. Dropping out during the live games meant you were humiliated for life. The Olympic Athlete

5. Most athletes would compete totally naked. • This started because of one single runner. • This runner lost his race because of his loincloth. • While he was running, he tripped on it. • So other athletes would just take theirs off and compete totally naked. • This was so the same mistake wouldn’t happen again. • Boys would walk around naked when entering manhood.

6. Both athletes and coaches had the goal to win. • Coaches trained the athletes very hard for a very long time. • Coaches could accompany their athletes to the stage, but not naked. • That changed because of Pherenike. • She had succeeded in passing herself as her son’s male trainer. • While jumping the gate, her identity was discovered. • Because her son was victorious, she was not sentenced to death.

7. Athletes wanted to have all the chances of winning. • So they even made special diets. • Traditional diets were: olives, bread, feta cheese, and a reasonable amount of meat. • Some doctors would even say not to eat pork that had been raised from certain barriers. • Magic was also a choice, eating lizards in a certain way(supposable) would give off magical effects.

8. In wrestling… No biting, No eye gouging, Breaking opponent’s limbs was legal, In boxing… Both men played until one gave up or died In Greece, there was no Second Place Only winners were honored, the losers were ignored Winners were given a laurel wreath for their head Rules

9. The ancient Olympic prizes were much different than those of today. • The Olympics of today would give out many medals. • The ancient Olympics would only crown first place winners. • Ancient Olympians would gain fame and treasure. • The would receive annual stipends, along with the best oils, free meals, theater seats hometown parades, and statues. • Also got to go down in history as champions.

10. Original Running Track:Olympia, Greece

11. Women • Of course women were not allowed to compete in any of the events. • Married women were not even allowed to be there. • If a married women was found watching, then they would be killed. • Fathers would bring their daughters to the competitions so they could marry a champion.

12. Women Competing • Some women wanted to do more than watch the games; some wanted to compete. • Sports for women were held in Olympia, just like the Olympics. • These were played in honor of Hera, Zeus's wife. • They wore short tunics to run. • Women competing was getting so popular that boxing for women was not uncommon in Sparta.

13. The end of the Ancient Games • Ended in 394 AD by the Roman Emperor Theodosius, who was a Christian • Considered them “pagan” games