The Olympic Games Chapter 11 Section 1

I.The Olympic Games A. First games held in 776 BCE at Olympia, Greece 1. Games always held in Olympia B. Held every 4 years- a 4 year period of time is called an Olympiad

C. Contestants came from all over the world—from the Greek city-states, Spain, and Libya 1. However, men competed as individuals, not as national teams

D.The Olympics started as a 5 day summer festival to honor the God Zeus 1. The games were played throughout the festival activities 2. Athletes prayed to the gods for victories and thanked them for successes

E.All wars, battles, etc. stopped during the Olympics 1. If you refused to stop fighting, you paid a fine (Sparta)

F.Only men competed- women were not even allowed to watch! 1. Punishment for watching = thrown over a cliff 2. There was a separate Olympics for women called the Heraea

G.Each athlete swore to Zeus to honor the rules of the game 1. Punishment for breaking the rules = fined 2. Money was used to build statues of Zeus

3. Statues would have descriptions of the cheaters, and then put on display at the Olympics so people could mock them

H. Events that happened during the five days at the Olympics: 1. Day One- sacrifices to Zeus (bulls-up to 100 a day!)

2.Day Two a. Chariot races- horse drawn cart 1.) held at Hippodrome- oval track 2.) 9 mile race (12 laps)

b. Pentathlon 1.) Best overall athlete in 5 events 2.) Events were running, jumping, discus throw (9 pounds), wrestling, and javelin throw

3.Day Three- more sacrifices (oxen, bulls) 4.Day Four a. Foot races 1.) ran barefoot 2.) Had 4 different race lengths 3.) One race was in full body armor (50-60 extra pounds!)

b.Wrestling 1.) To win, you needed to throw your opponent down 3 times 2.) No biting, but could break fingers

c.Boxing 1.) Hands covered in leather straps with metal studs 2.) No rounds- fought until opponent was knocked out or admitted defeat

d.Pancratium 1.) Free-for-all fight 2.) NO biting or eye-gouging!

5.Day Five a. Champions receive Olive Wreaths and have a big banquet

b.Some winners were honored for life- others given free meals for a year

c. Olympic winners did NOT receive any money 1.) This was a competition for glory and victory 2.) “The Olympic Spirit”

I.The ancient Olympics stopped being held in 394 AD a. This was because Rome had taken over b. Roman emperor felt the games were pagan and not Christian

J.In 1896 AD the Olympic Games were restarted a. 311 men competed b. Came from 13 countries c. Held in Athens, Greece

K.In 1900, women were allowed to compete L.In 1924, first Winter Olympics were held

M. In 1992, it was the last year both the winter and summer Olympics were in the same year; they are now every two years

1994- winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway summer Olympics in Atlanta, GA winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah summer Olympics in Athens, Greece- 10,500 athletes from 201 countries!

2006- winter Olympics in Torino, Italy summer Olympics in Beijing, China winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada summer Olympics in London, England winter Olympics in Sochi City, Russia summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

N.Olympic motto- “Citius, Altius, Fortius” meaning “Faster, higher, stronger”

O. Olympic flag- white background, five interlaced rings- blue, red, black, green, and yellow

P. Olympic flame- lit at Olympia, Greece, then carried to present site of Olympics

Q. Olympic Creed- “The most important thing is to take part, NOT WIN! The most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle.” "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."

R.Some modern day events: SummerWinter Aquatics RowingBobsleigh BadmintonCurling GolfIce hockey BasketballLuge Canoe/kayakBiathlon RugbySkating Table TennisSkiing Gymnastics Archery Tennis Triathlon Sailing