1. The Gymnasiums and Olympic Games

2. Gymnasiums Each Greek city had a gymnasium
Being physically fit was of high importance
Women were not allowed
this was because the men exercised nude
The word gymnos means ‘unclothed’

3. Gymnasiums Special reserved areas for certain sports
Because of high military importance, each Greek man was expected to be in shape and exercise regularly
Gymnasiums were always advancing with technology

4. Gymnasiums
The word athlete comes from Greek term meaning someone who participates in sports
Main athletic goal was pentathlon
It consisted of 5 sports
Running
Leaping
Wrestling
Discus throw
Javelin throw

5. Gymnasiums
Boxing was popular as well, but was not included in Pentathlon
Boxers mainly hit the head and face
This was important training for hand-to-hand combat

6. A computer generated photo of a gymnasium
Gymnasium Pictures
Remains of a gymnasium
More remains of a gymnasium
A computer generated photo of a gymnasium

7. Olympics First recorded Olympic Games were in 776 B.C.
They were held in Olympia in honor of Zeus
It was held in a large arena to fit any type of game

8. Olympics Training was very expensive
Athletes, like today, had special trainers and frequently traveled to other games
Before participation in Olympics, athletes had to swear to the Gods that they have been training for at least 10 months

9. Olympics
Athletes also had to train 30 days at Olympic training centers
The main goal of athletes was to win the Pentathlon
This accomplishment honored the best overall athlete

10. Olympics Women were not allowed to participate or even be a spectator
They had their own set of Olympic games called the Heraia, in honoring of Zeus’ wife, Hera

11. Olympic Pictures A drawing of an Olympic Leaping event
An Olympic race
An Olympic chariot race

12. Higher Level Questions
What importance did the Olympics have to Greek society?
How did gymnasiums improve Greek society?
Do you think the Olympics being all men, gave them more power? Why or why not?