Lesson 8: The Olympic Games
Health and physical fitness were very important to the ancient Greeks. Young men in particular were expected to take part in daily exercise so they would become strong soldiers.
Once every four years, athletic contests were held in Olympia to honour the Greek god Zeus. These were the first Olympic Games. The games were so important that even wars between city-states were suspended during these times.
Men and boys came from all over Greece to take part in the competitions and trained for months in advance. Competitors were required to train at Olympia for a month before the Games officially started.
Contestants competed in events such as racing, jumping, wrestling, discus, and boxing. There were also contests in music, singing, and recitations. Winners were given wreaths of laurel or olive leaves to wear. Poems were written about their accomplishments, and statues were erected in their honour.
However, the real rewards came when the winners returned home. Here they were treated like heroes and lavished with food, wine, and money. Sadly, the rewards for the victors were so great that many athletes cheated in order to win. Judges were instructed to watch carefully for cheating, but some of them were bribed and looked the other way.
Video on the Ancient Greek Olympics (QuickTime required)
T1 56kThe Olympic Games were revived in 1896 to promote understanding and friendship among nations.
The first modern games took place in Athens, Greece (in honour of its history as the birthplace of the games). The next Summer Olympics will take place once again in Athens in 2004.
Canada has twice hosted the Olympic Games (Montreal, Summer Olympics, 1976; Calgary, Winter Olympics, 1988) and is bidding to get the 2010 Winter Olympics (Vancouver).
Check out Vancouver's Olympic bid website.
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