The Ancient Olympics

Cultural History

F2

When you think of the Olympics, what comes to

mind?

Talk about it at your table

The Ancient Basics

• Who: Only people who spoke the Greek language

• What: An athletic and religious event meant to honor the Gods who lived on Mt. Olympus

• Where: The original games were located in the city-state of Olympia

• When: Every four year span (referred to as an Olympiad) starting in 776 BCE

The Events

• Originally only one running race– About 200 meters

• Would eventually add more events• Winners received an olive oil urn and

a laurel wreath worn on the head

Hey Kos, how about the reading packets?

Modern vs. Ancient: Differences in the Olympics

• Ancient start – 776 BCE; Modern start – 1896 CE

• Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals: First awarded in 1904– Silver was originally the top medal– No medals were awarded during the ancient

games

• Olympic Torch – 1928– Ancient – From the temple of Athena

• Torch Relay - 1936

Assignment/Homework

• Research one ancient Olympic event and one modern Olympic event

• Ancient Olympic Events• Ancient Olympic Events II

• Modern Olympic Events

• Be sure to include how the event is played, who typically plays it, and any records held by competitors of the event

• This can be either typed or written but it should be in paragraph/listing form