Ancient Olympics
History
Athletes
Events
More Information

In the Beginning

The Olympic Games began in 776 BC and were held in honour of Zeus, the king of the gods. The Games were held every four years at Olympia, in Greece.

People from all over the Greek world came to watch and take part. During a Olympics there was a truce to stop any wars so that athletes could travel from their countries to the Games in safety.

 
Zeus

Return to top

 

   

Athletes

All free male Greek citizens were entitled to participate in the ancient Olympic Games, regardless of how rich or poor they were.

Each athlete went to the sanctuary of Zeus and sacrificed a pig to Zeus and a black ram to Pelops.

Married women were not allowed to take part in, or even to watch the Games. If a women was not married she could attend the competition but not take part.

 

 

Ancient Athletes

Return to top      

Ancient Olympic Events

At the first one-day Olympic Games, the only event was a short sprint from one end of the stadium to the other. Gradually more events were added to make four days of competitions. They included wrestling, boxing, long jump, throwing the javelin and discus, and chariot racing. Winners were given a wreath of leaves, and a hero's welcome back home. Winners might marry rich women, enjoy free meals, invitations to parties, and the best seats in the theatre. The running track was much wider than a modern one. Twenty people could run at once.Explore the pictures below to lern more about the different events.

 

Wrestling Discus Chariot Racing Running Long Jump Pankration Boxing Javelin
Return to top

More Information

To learn more information about the Ancient Olympics click on the image of the ancient athlete
Ancient Olympics
 
Return to top
 

 

 

Home Page

Home