We have already seen that the ancient Greeks were very good artists and actors. However, this is not all that they did well. Keep reading to find out about sports and athletes in ancient Greece.

What role did sports play in ancient Greece?

The ancient Greeks were huge sports fans. Every four years, the Olympic Games were held in the staduim at Olympia. The best athletes in Greece competed in different events that were a part of religious life. The games began with a sacrifice to the god Zeus. Because the games were religious, anyone who was caught cheating during the games was never allowed to compete again because cheating was considered disrespectful to the gods.

photo courtesy of Michael Bennett

What types of sports could I have played?

Many of the games played in the Olympic Games of ancient Greece are still included in the Olympics of today. Three of these games are boxing, weightlifting, and the pentathalon. Boxing was much the same in ancient Greece as it is today. Boxers padded their hands in cloth and fought until one of them was knocked out. The pentathalon was made up of five different events: discus throwing, javelin throwing, wrestling, running, and long jumping. All of these events are still included in the Olympics today. One event from the ancient Greek Olympics that is too dangerous to be included in the games today is chariot racing.

What happened if I won?

The winners of events in the Olympic Games recevied a wreath of laurel or olive leaves to wear on their heads. When they received their wreaths, the winners would shout out their names, their family, and the city where they lived.

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