ANCIENT GREEK OLYMPICS

Opening Ceremony begins

Monday

Setup

It's around 480 BCE. You are an Olympic contestant, representing your city-state at the Olympic games! How would you behave?  The answer may surprise you!

IntroductionThe Olympics were so important to the ancient Greeks that wars were stopped, to allow participants to attend.So important were these Olympic games to the ancient Greeks, that we are going to hold our own Olympics.In ancient Greece, each city-state sent a team to represent them in these famous games.At our Olympics, we will have representatives from 5 different city-states.

To Be Greek

The ancient Greeks all spoke the same language.They believed in the same gods.They shared a common heritage.They perceived themselves as Greeks.

To Be a Citizen of a Polis

They referred to themselves, however, as citizens of their individual city-states.

Each city-state was a separate political unit, having its own personality, goals, customs and laws.

Ancient Greeks were very loyal to their city-state.

Groups

You have been divided into 5 Groups.Groups will be randomly assigned a Polis.The Olympic competitors are:

1. Sparta2. Athens3. Corinth4. Argos5. Megara

Flags and Pledges

Each group will construct a unique flag, pledge, anthem and identifiable feature.Be sure your pledge and flag meet all requirements from the rubric.Each polis will be reading, or performing their pledge (as pledges can be read, sung, chanted, or performed as a cheer) at the opening of the Olympics.

Make Note

Each class will be doing this same activity, so keep an eye out for your fellow Argives, Spartans, Athenians, Corinthians, and Megarians.

Olympic Events

First Event – BoxingYou need to choose 1 member of your polis to

participate in the boxing event. (Hint – choose someone with a good memory)

Olympic Events

Second Event – Art RecognitionYou need to choose 1 member of your polis to

participate in the Art Recognition event. (Hint – choose someone with artistic skills)

Olympic Events

Third Event – Poetry ReadingYou need to choose 1 member of your polis to

participate in the Poetry Reading event. (Hint – choose someone who is well spoken)

Olympic Events

Fourth Event – Shot Put Each member of your polis will

participate in the Shot Put event. (Hint - accuracy is more important than strength)

Olympic EventsFinal Event – Javelin Throw

Each member of your polis will participate in the Javelin Throw event.

You will need to create your own flying object. You are only allowed to use the following objects:

1. A single piece of paper (supplied by Mr. D)

2. Scotch Tape

3. One paper clip

4. Javelin must be at least 5 inches long

Olympic Events

Each member of your polis must compete in one of the solo events.

Due Thursday by the end of class

Copy of your pledge

List of event participants

Javelin design

Flag design