The Olympics of Ancient Greece

Like so much of ancienthistory, the origins of the Olympic Games are shrouded in myth and legend. Theancient Greeks were highly competitive and believed strongly in the concept ofagon, or “contest.” The ultimate Greek goal was to be the best. All aspects oflife, especially athletics, were centered around this concept. It was thereforeconsidered one of the greatest honors to win a victory at Olympia. The factthat the only prize given at Olympia was an olive wreath illustrates thispoint. The athletes competed for honor, not for material goods.

Participants included allGreek men, except slaves, certain felons, and barbarians. Soon after, moreprofessional athletes competed. On the other hand, women were prohibited fromwatching or taking part in the games, except as owners in the horse races.Contestants were required to train faithfully for ten months before the games,had to remain 30 days under the eyes of the state officials of Elis (who werein charge of the games), and had to take an oath that they had fulfilled thetraining requirements before participating.

      The Games reached their height in the 5th to 4th century B.C., but weresuspended in the Roman period under much censure. However, theOlympic Games were revived in 1896 with enthusiastic support.