The Greek Olympics

Learning Targets

• I will…– Develop an understanding of one of five

Greek city-states and their participation in the ancient Greek Olympics

– Research the format and structure of the Greek Olympics

– Participate in a simulated Greek Olympics – using knowledge rather than physical skill as the marker of “greatness”

The  First Olympics • No one is sure how the

Olympic Games really began, but the first recorded  event took place in Olympia nearly 3000 years ago

• Olympia was a sanctuary dedicated in honor of Zeus, the father of all Greek Gods and Goddesses. (located in Southwestern Greece)

Who could compete in the Olympics? 

• MEN!!!• Separate men’s and boys’

divisions• Divisions based on

chronological age and physical size and strength

Could Women Compete?

• Could not compete – married women barred under penalty of death from attending–Maidens allowed to

attend games

• But, could be an owner of a Chariot team or horse owner

What prizes did Olympic victors get?

• Olive leaf wreath • Statue of self set

at Olympia• Jars of oil• Fringe benefits

such as meals paid for or front-row seats at the theater

First Modern Olympics

• In 1896, the first modern day Olympics were held in Athens, Greece.– 1500 years after last ancient Olympics held– Frenchman, Pierre de Coubertin –to

promote peace, friendship and healthy sporting competition

– First Olympics – no women• 1900 (2nd modern Olympics Games) women

were allowed to in 4 events: croquet, golf, sailing, and tennis.

• Of 1225 athletes only 19 were women

The HEP Olympics

• I need:– 3 groups of 3–2 groups o f 2

The Greek Olympics

• Each city-state sent a team to represent them in these famous games–We will have 5 city-states

represented:• Athens• Sparta• Corinth• Argos• Megara

Today’s Task…

• Step #1: Read the description of your city-state and its approach to the Olympic Games– You will then create a flag and pledge based on

that information.– At the start of our Olympics, you will each recite

your pledge and fly your flag.

• Step #2: Researching the Olympic Games• Step #3: Participating in the HEP Olympics

Welcome to the 2013 Olympic Games

• Hail athletes from Argos, famous Greek musicians!

• Hail athletes from Athens, famous Greek scholars!

• Hail athletes from Corinth, famous Greek traders!

• Hail athletes from Megara, famous Greek colonizers!

• Hail athletes from Sparta, famous Greek warriors!

Round 1: Cotton Ball Shot Put

• In order to get a chance to try your hand at the Shot Put, your team must answer as many questions correctly as possible.

• Each team that answers correctly will get a chance to throw a cotton ball for every correct answer…the more chances the better!

• The team with the farthest throws averaged together receives a ribbon. – Send a runner (but walk!) to stick this

ribbon on your flag!

Round 2: Javelin Throw

• In order to get a chance to try your hand at the Javelin Throw, your team must answer as many questions correctly as possible.

• Each team that answers correctly will get a chance at tossing a javelin… the more chances the better!

• The team with the farthest average receives a ribbon. – Send a runner (but walk!) to stick

this ribbon on your flag!

Round 3: Paper Plate Discus

• In order to get a chance to try your hand at “Discus”, your team answer as many question correctly as possible.

• Each team will place their feet at the starting line and throw the “discus”

• The team with the farthest throw receives a ribbon. – Send a runner (but walk!) to stick this

ribbon on your flag!

Round 4: Battle of the BlowBall

• In order to get a chance to try your hand at the “Battle of the Blowball”, you team must answer as many questions correctly as possible.

• Each team will nominate one member. Olympians will use their straws to blow a ping-pong ball from one end of the classroom to the end, where the goalposts are set up. The fastest time earns a gold medal.

• The contestant with the farthest jump receives a ribbon. – Send a runner (but walk!) to stick this ribbon

on your flag!

Round 5: Hula Hooping

• The tie breaker…in the event of a tie, we will have one final question with the round culminating in a hula-hoop-off

• The team to hula-hoop the longest receives a ribbon. – Send a runner (but walk!) to stick this

ribbon on your flag!