The Ancient Origins Of The Olympics

Every four years, the world’s best athletes gather to compete and represent their nations in the greatest sporting event on Earth, the Olympic Games. Steeped in history, glory, and at times, controversy, the modern Olympics are a testament to the unifying  power of sport, and the timeless thrill of competition. During the 20th and 21st centuries, the Olympics evolved rapidly, include more events, more participating countries and the creation of a governing body, the International Olympics  Committee, which was established in 1890. Now, we have the Summer and Winter Olympics to celebrate the variety of seasonal sports, the Paralympics for disabled athletes and the Youth Games for athletes between 14 and 18 years old. The Olympic Games of today are almost unrecognizable in comparison to the Olympic Games of Ancient Greece. As athletes across the globe make the final preparations for this year’s Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and as lovers of sport await in anticipation, we look back to the event's early beginnings. We highlight the ancient origins, athletes and events of these monumental games that began in Olympia Greece over 2000 years ago.

Origins

The origins of the Olympics date all the way to 776 BC when a cook named Coroebus won a 192 footrace, the game’s only event. According to historical records, the first ancient Olympic games took place on the plains of Olympia in the Peloponnese peninsula of Greece, hence their name. These athletic trials were a mix of religious devotion, spirited competition and physical showmanship. Initially tied to the cult of Zeus, the Greek God of sky and thunder, the games incorporated ritual sacrifices to honour him. Like now, the games were held every four years and this period of time became known as the Olympiad, a term used by the Greeks as a unit of time measurement. Over the next 200 years the Olympic games grew in stature and popularity, reaching their peak in the 5th and 6th centuries. And as time wore on, the games evolved into a more secular event that focused on the amazing feats of its athletes. After nearly twelve centuries of hosting the games, the Emperor Theodosius banned the Olympics in 383 A.D. because of their link to ‘pagan cults’ in the past. It would be more than 1000 years before the Olympic games would take place again.

Events

The games of Ancient Greece started out with only one event, a short footrace that took place within the stadium. Over time the one-day event grew to four days and the ancient games included events such as foot races, the discus and javelin throw, wrestling, boxing and chariot races. One unique event was the hoplitodromos or hoplitodromia which translates to 'race of soldiers.' In this race competitors had to wear helmets and shields while they ran. The most ruthless event was the bloody Pankration, a primitive form of martial arts that combined wrestling and boxing, with the only rules being no biting or eye poking.

Athletes

Any free man who was a Greek citizen could participate in the games, regardless of their social status. From the son’s of Kings to lowly shepherds and heroic generals, Greek men from all walks of life could make a name for themselves in the games. Athletes who inspired crowds with their strength and endurance and won repeat victories in the arena became immortalised in history. Winning athletes did not win the medals we know today. Instead, athletes received a variety of different award that included; a wreath crown made from olive leaves that were cut from a branch in Zeus's sacred grove in Olympia, valuable bronze or gold objects or a moneybag, and usually a statue would be erected in their honour. Athletes could also win honorary citizenship to the organizing city. While these tokens might seem minimal, it was the fame and respect that came along with winning that was the real prize. Athletes that won their events year after year became heroes in the eyes of the public.

Spectators

Remains of ancient Olympic Stadium in Olympia, Greece. As the Olympic games grew in size and popularity, people from all over the Greek Empire came to watch the exciting events. The stadium could only hold about 50,000 spectators but that didn't stop many more from camping outside the stadium walls. Wealthy spectators and politicians could count on the best seats and comfortable hotel rooms, but those without the means had to make do with poor seats and even worse living conditions for the duration of the games. And after the game's finale spectators could look forward to a massive feast where oxen were barbecued and celebrations drew the attentions of tradesmen, jugglers and entertainers. An interesting fact was that married woman were prohibited from participating or even watching the games and only unmarried women and the priestesses of Demeter were allowed to attend the ancient Olympics.

Legacy

From its early beginnings to the present day, the Olympics has been a uniting force, bringing people from all walks of life to compete and enjoy the excitement of competition. Now, over 13,000 athletes from over 200 nations compete in 33 different sports in the Olympics- a massive jump from their ancient predecessors. However, the Olympic athletes of today still carry on the legacy of those ancient Greek Olympians, pushing themselves to the limits, breaking records and transforming from mere mortals into our modern day legends.