The Ancient lympicsBy Briana

The Olympics happen every four years. Usually on July or August, depending on the date of the second full moon after the summer solstice.It was always hot while competing in the Olympics. They were held near Pisa.It lasted 5 days.

The ancient Olympic prizes were much different than those of today. The Olympics of today would give out many medals. The ancient Olympics would only crown first place winners.Ancient Olympians would gain fame and treasure.The would receive annual stipends, along with the best oils, free meals, theater seats hometown parades, and statues.Also got to go down in history as champions.

Both athletes and coaches had the goal to win.Coaches trained the athletes very hard for a very long time.Coaches could accompany their athletes to the stage, but not naked.That changed because of Pherenike.She had succeeded in passing herself as her sons male trainer.While jumping the gate, her identity was discovered.Because her son was victorious, she was not sentenced to death.

First, competitors had to go to the city of Elis a month before the gamesOnce they were there, they had to go through a tough training regiment specially designed to pick out those who werent worthy of Olympic standards.No shame was brought upon you if you decided to drop out before the games.Dropping out during the live games meant you were humiliated for life.

Athletes wanted to have all the chances of winning.So they even made special diets.Traditional diets were: olives, bread, feta cheese, and a reasonable amount of meat.Some doctors would even say not to eat pork that had been raised from certain barriers.Magic was also a choice, eating lizards in a certain way(supposable) would give off magical effects.

Most athletes would compete totally naked.This started because of one single runner.This runner lost his race because of his loincloth.While he was running, he tripped on it.So other athletes would just take theirs off and compete totally naked.This was so the same mistake wouldnt happen again. Boys would walk around naked when entering manhood.Men would parade naked up and down the field like peacocks.

Although the Olympics was very famous, it did not make any profits.Local farmers and producers made tons of cash.There was no entrance fee.The organizers were not in it for the money but for making an important event in the ancient Greek world.

There were 9 very important events.BOXINGDISCUSCHARIOT RACINGJAVELINE

JUMPINGPANKRATIONPENTATHLONRUNNING &WRESTLING

Other less active games were also played.They included dice, marbles, knucklebones, and checkers.These games were also taken very seriously, but they were not as famous.

The Olympics were open to any free born in the Greek World.The men's division and the boys division were separated by their sizes.After the games, they would clean themselves up by rubbing oils over their bodies and scraping the mix of oil, sweat and dirt with a strigil.

WomenOf course women were not allowed to compete in any of the events.Married women were not even allowed to be there.If a married women was found watching, then they would be killed.Fathers would bring their daughters to the competitions so they could marry a champion.

Women CompetingSome women wanted to do more than watch the games; some wanted to compete.Sports for women were held in Olympia, just like the Olympics.These were played in honor of Hera, Zeus's wife.They wore short tunics to run.Women competing was getting so popular that boxing for women was not uncommon in Sparta.

Aside from the constant battles, the Olympics was a time when the Greeks could come together without fighting and just compete. It was and is a very important part of our culture. Since it only comes once every four years, we have to appreciate it more and thank the people who though of itthe Greeks.

Thanks for watching a Briana Original.

I hoped you enjoyed it.

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