Ancient Olympic Events

Boxing:
Ancient boxing had fewer rules than the modern sport. Boxers fought without rounds until one man was knocked out, or admitted he had been beaten. Unlike the modern sport, there was no rule against hitting an opponent when he was down.


Pankration:
This event was a grueling combination of boxing and wrestling. Punches were allowed, although the fighters did not wrap their hands with the boxing himantes. Rules outlawed only biting and gouging an opponent's eyes, nose, or mouth with fingernails. Attacks such as kicking an opponent in the belly, which are against the rules in modern sports, were perfectly legal.


Discus:The ancient Greeks considered the rhythm and precision of an athlete throwing the discus as important as his strength. The discus was made of stone, iron, bronze, or lead, and was shaped like a flying saucer. Sizes varied, since the boys' division was not expected to throw the same weight as the mens'. Jump:Athletes used lead or stone jump weights (halteres) shaped like telephone receivers to increase the length of their jump. The halteres were held in front of the athlete during his ascent, and forcibly thrust behind his back and dropped during his descent to help propel his body further. Wrestling:Like the modern sport, an athlete needed to throw his opponent on the ground, landing on a hip, shoulder, or back for a fair fall. 3 throws were necessary to win a match. Biting was not allowed, and genital holds were also illegal. Attacks such as breaking your opponent's fingers were permitted.   If you were an athlete in the Ancient Olympics, which event do you think would you excel in or become a winner? Why would the event suit you? Or would you be a spectator? 

Olympia

Olympia was the only place in the world where gods and men were worshiped. Every fourth year in July, thousands flocked to Olympia to take part in or watch the greatest spectacle of this time period.

The first ancient Olympic Games can be traced back to 776 BC. They were dedicated to the Olympian gods and were staged on the ancient plains of Olympia. They continued for nearly 12 centuries, until Emperor Theodosius decreed in 393 A.D. that all such "pagan cults" be banned.

Olympia, the site of the ancient Olympic Games, is in the western part of the Peloponnese which, according to Greek mythology, is the island of "Pelops", the founder of the Olympic Games. Imposing temples, votive buildings, elaborate shrines and ancient sporting facilities were combined in a site of unique natural and mystical beauty. Olympia functioned as a meeting place for worship and other religious and political practices as early as the 10th century B.C. The central part of Olympia was dominated by the majestic temple of Zeus, with the temple of Hera parallel to it.

This beautiful Olympic stage created a great atmosphere for the athletes as well as well as the spectators. Imagine partaking in these events during this period and embracing the competiveness amongst the athletes.

Here is a video that showcases the earliest events and allows you to see the spectacle that were the Ancient Olympics
Birth of the Olympics

Brief Facts

In order to delve into the Ancient Greek Olympics, one must get a general understanding of the period in time when these athletes competed.

In Ancient Greece only men were able to participate in the Olympic events and attend as spectators. These athletes competed for themselves and were not part of a team. The competitions included running, jumping, wrestling and boxing. The machismo of these events were rewarded with olive branch crowns and the glory of victory back to their city.

If you were an athlete in Ancient Greece, would you change or add any events? What prizes would you reward the athletes? What are your thought on only MEN being able to participate? And finally, why do you think the Olympics were started and still take place in this day in age?

Many of these questions will be answered in this blog. Make sure to make comments and ask questions.

I enjoyed watching the video very much. The 2nd grade students from the the Australian classroom developed so much in their writing skills, fluency and grammar when writing their blog in just a school year. I was very surprised of their computer knowledge at such a young age.

Watching this 15 minute video on Educational Blogging definitely has inspired me to create a blog on the Olympics of Ancient Greece. Posting new insight and information while receiving comments will help me improve my writing and critiquing skills.