and the olympic games the ancient olympic...
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Australia and the Olympic Games
The First Games Athens 1896
Historical Context
© Australian Olympic Committee
The Ancient Olympic Games
Ancient Olympics – athlete shown on vase
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/ancient_greeks/the_olympic_Games/
Introduction
The rivalry and conflicts between different areas and city‐states of Greece is legendary and well
documented from ancient times. However, sporting competitions devoted to gods and goddesses in
city states and communities were also common. From around 776 BC one sporting competition
brought Greek rivals and allies together from all of Greece every four years at the religious site
Olympia. And because the competitors had to travel through other states and from Greek colonies
overseas a sacred peace was maintained for a period before, during and after the five days of
competition. Many conflicts resumed after the period of peace but for that time they were united
under the same rules and principles. This was unique for the ancient world. This was an inspiration
which went well beyond the last and 203rd ancient Olympic Games in 393 AD.
Focus: Research the following sources and consider the key features of the ancient Olympic
Games.
Australia and the Olympic Games
The First Games Athens 1896
Historical Context
© Australian Olympic Committee
Resources:
Frequently Asked Questions about the ancient Olympics: http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/Olympics/faq1.html
This starts with the origin of the Olympics and then other key questions.
Overview from Olympic Museum Lausanne: http://torino.olympics.com.au/files/71/olympic_Games_in_ancient_greece.pdf
Ancient Greece.co.uk: http://www.ancientgreece.co.uk/festivals/story/olympics.html
Foundation of the Hellenic World: http://olympics.fhw.gr/ancient/ Click on the ‘Antiquity’ button on
the top navigation line. Now read about: importance, site, Olympiad, rules, Athletic events, Olympic
victors, art.
Ancient Greece.com: http://www.ancientgreece.com/s/Olympics/
BBCHistory: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/ancient_greeks/the_olympic_Games/
Perseus Project: http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/Olympics/
Ancient Olympic events: http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/Olympics/sports.html
Activities
Write a 10 point summary of the key features of the ancient Olympic Games.
Identify several aspects of the ancient Olympic Games which continue in the modern
Olympics.