Olympic Games [antikvár]

What were the Olympics? The origins of the Olympic Games lie centuries ago in ancient Greece. They were part of a religious festival. Greek life revolved around religion, and sport was a way for the people to honour their gods. There were many local festivals but four national festivals called the Panliellenic Games were open to competitors from all Greek regions and colonies. These were the Pythian, the Nemean, the Isthmian, and the Olympic Games. They alternated so that there was a national athletic festival every year. HONOURING APOLLO Different Games were celebrations to different gods and were held at or near religious sanctuaries. The Pylhian Games were held in Delphi in honour of Apollo. The Isthmian Games in Corinth honoured Poseidon. Zeus was honoured at the Neniean Games in Memea and al the Olympic Games in Olympia. T/ii'.-; i7)ii:ii';if Gnrk fl!OW$ itllilcU'i^ rnciii^ ill nrimvir DELPHI STADIUM Delphi was sacred to Apollo and the Greeks thought that it stood at the centre of the world. In the 5th century BC, they built this 7,000-seater athletics stadium on the hillside above the great Temple of Apollo. The spectators' stand and seats for supervisors can be seen among the ruins today. Laurel wreaths were awarded at the Pythian Games Fresh wild celery was awarded at the Nemean Games Wreaths of olive leaves wore awarded at the Olympic Games RUNNER'S PRIZE Winners at the Panathenaic Games in Athens were awarded an amphora, a two-handled vessel, full of finest olive oil. It was decorated with scenes of their particular event. This amphora shows racing in armour. Athletics and war were closely linked. Competing in sports was a way of keeping fit for battle. Panathenaic amphora FLORAL TRIBUTES At the Panhellenic Games, floral tributes were given to the winners. Most prized of all was an Olympic olive wreath, cut from a sacred tree that stood behind Zeus's temple at Olympia. Originally, all the athletes were amateurs but eventually, at all but the Olympic Games, they received prize-money and even appearance-money.