The Ancient Olympics

It has been going on for decades and it is the most popular sports event in history. Many of the greatest athletes come from all parts of the world to compete in hopes of winning the gold. Before the games begin there is a grand opening ceremony that the host city provides, the ceremony includes bright colors and fireworks, and in addition they also introduce the participating countries. It is an event that brings many people together because they get to see someone from their country represent them. It is also an extraordinary time for the athletes because they have been waiting for this moment for their entire lives and they know that it is an honor to be representing their country. Like many good things that come along there is always a

The Greeks had worshipped all kinds of gods and they were all very important within Greek religion. Some of the gods that they worshipped were Zeus, Hera, Athena, Apollo and much more. It is unknown on how the Olympics first began but according to History.com, it states that legends presume that the Roman Hercules, Heracles, had founded the games and toward the end of the 6th century B.C the event had become one of the most famous Greek sporting festivals. However, the first official recorded records of the ancient Olympics date back to 776 B.C in the Greek city Olympia. Olympia is located in the western part of the Peloponnese peninsula in southern Greece. The city had incorporated “temples, votive buildings, elaborate shrines and ancient sporting facilities were combined in a site of unique natural and mystical beauty” (“History”). It does seem like a place filled with wonders. Ancient Olympia had also functioned as a meeting place for worship, religious and other political practices. At the center, there was a

According to the Olympic website, the article “The Sports Events” states that the ancient Olympic games used to be a one-day event and then in 684 B.C the games were then converted into a three-day event. It wasn’t until the 5th century B.C that the games would be extended to five days. Today, the modern Olympic games last about sixteen days. The games that were included in the ancient Olympics ranged from running, racing and wrestling. There was the diaulos, a 400m foot race; the dolichos, 1,500m or 5,000m foot race; the pentathlon, it included five events such as a foot race, long jump, discus, javelin throws, and a wrestling match (“The Olympic”). Most of these games were established during the early to mid-700 B.C. There was also boxing, established in 688 B.C; chariot racing, established in 680 B.C, and pankration which included a combination of boxing and wrestling. Today’s Olympics include at least 28 games. These games still include some of the ancient Olympic games such as track & field, boxing and equestrian events. Some new additions in the Olympics include swimming, marathon swimming, synchronized swimming, volleyball and beach volleyball, canoeing, triathlons, gymnastics, cycling, and much more. When an athlete is performing a sport, they are often judged on their performance level, technique and they are also judged on time. After the athletes are done with their sport they are then awarded. In