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Name: _____________________________ Date: Name: _____________________________ Date: ______________________ ______________________ Greece: Birthplace of the Olympic Games Greece: Birthplace of the Olympic Games Greece was the home of the first Olympic games, which took place over 3,000 years ago. The Greeks honored their gods by competing in events that would display their athletic abilities. The Ancient Olympics was a religious festival held every four years by a large city-state. The term Olympiad means four successive years. During these celebrations all fighting ended, and the games were held. Originally only male Greek citizens were allowed to compete and many events including running, discus throwing were done in the nude as it was believed this would honor the gods. The athletes would train in gymnasiums preparing for competition. The enthusiasm for the games continued with the inclusion of pageants, parades and feasts. As the festival grew, it became one of the largest and most important events to the Greeks. Olympia and the surrounding region of Elis was a sacred and safe place. This meant that all conflicts and wars in the region had to end, especially during the Ancient Olympic Games. All Greek rulers approved a treaty to not fight during the games. This message of peace assured the athletes, families, artists, and guests safe passage

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Page 1: global9unhs.files.wordpress.com … · Web viewName: _____ Date: _____ Greece: Birthplace of the Olympic Games. Greece was the home of the first Olympic games, which

Name: _____________________________ Date: ______________________Name: _____________________________ Date: ______________________

Greece: Birthplace of the Olympic GamesGreece: Birthplace of the Olympic Games

Greece was the home of the first Olympic games, which took place over 3,000 years ago. The Greeks honored their gods by competing in events that would display their athletic abilities. The Ancient Olympics was a religious festival held every four years by a large city-state. The term Olympiad means four successive years. During these celebrations all fighting ended, and the games were held.

Originally only male Greek citizens were allowed to compete and many events including running, discus throwing were done in the nude as it was believed this would honor the gods. The athletes would train in gymnasiums preparing for competition. The enthusiasm for the games continued with the inclusion of pageants, parades and feasts. As the festival grew, it became one of the largest and most important events to the Greeks.

Olympia and the surrounding region of Elis was a sacred and safe place. This meant that all conflicts and wars in the region had to end, especially during the Ancient Olympic Games. All Greek rulers approved a treaty to not fight during the games. This message of peace assured the athletes, families, artists, and guests safe passageto the Ancient Olympic Games.

Unfortunately, this trend didn’t continue. Beginning around 100B.C., when the Roman Empire conquered Greece, there was anOlympic decline that lasted for several decades. It was the RomanEmperor Theodosius I that finally ended the games in 393 A.D.

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