THE ancient olympic games
The ancient Olympic Games always took place is Olympia, south of Greece. They took place every four years, in August or September. Tradition says that they started in 776 B.C. and continued until A.D. 393. The ancient games were held to honor Zeus, the mightiest of gods. These games were very popular and important events, as the Greeks measured their years in reference to the games, and thousands of people came to watch the Olympics.
The Olympic Games lasted for five days. Only men could compete at the games, and women could not even watch the event. The events at the games were quite violent, and sometimes people died. Also, the men competed in the nude at these games. Sports the games included were:
*Foot Races
*Wrestling
*Boxing
*Pentathlon
*Pankration
*Chariot Races
*Foot Races
*Wrestling
*Boxing
*Pentathlon
*Pankration
*Chariot Races
If you won the games, you would win a crown of wild olive leaves. You also would have the right to have a statue made of yourself at Olympia, and poets sometimes wrote poems about the winners.
Finally, there were many other competitions held at Olympia. All these events were timed so that every year, there was at least one competition. One competition included the Heraia, an event in which young women competed in running foot races. This was held every four years, but in different years than the Olympics. It was held to honor Hera, Zeus's wife.
*I bolded specific details to know about the Olympic Games*
Finally, there were many other competitions held at Olympia. All these events were timed so that every year, there was at least one competition. One competition included the Heraia, an event in which young women competed in running foot races. This was held every four years, but in different years than the Olympics. It was held to honor Hera, Zeus's wife.
*I bolded specific details to know about the Olympic Games*