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The first ancient Olympic Games were held
thousands of years ago in Greece. It is thought that they began
in the year 776 BC but some people who have studied the history
of the Games think that they may have begun earlier. The place
where the Games were held was called Olympia and they were held
every four year from 776 BC onwards.
All wars were stopped for the
Games to allow people to travel safely to olympia. The Games were
part of a holy festival (holiday). People went to the temple to
pray to their god, Zeus, then went to the stadium to watch running
races. Only men were allowed to compete and from the 8th century
BC the athletes wore no clothes. The Games festival lasted for
5 days.
Did you know?
Some experts
say that unmarried women were allowed
to watch the male athletes compete, others disagree, but all reports
say that if a married women went to watch the Games she could
be sentenced to death!
Over time, more events were added. There was wrestling, boxing,
jumping events, racing in armour, javelin and discus throwing.
Still later, horse racing and horse drawn chariot racing were
introduced. Winners were given olive branches as a prize and became
known as heroes throughout Greece.
Races for women
At the time of the Olympic festival for Zeus, there was a separate
festival held in honour of his wife, Hera. Girls competed in foot
races as part of this festival.
Go here for more
information about the Ancient Olympics
http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/Olympics/
Acknowledge this
source in your bibliography like this:
First Olympics
(2004).
[Online], Available: www.kidcyber.com.au
updated May 2004