1. The Olympic Games Chapter 4 Ancient Greece World History

2. The Ancient Olympics Began in 776 BC at Olympia, Greece Originally a religious ceremony in honor of the Greek gods. –100 oxen were sacrificed at the beginning of the Games –“Olympic Truce:” All wars and battles were halted so that everyone could come and watch the Games. –Based on 4-year periods called Olympiads

4. Original Running Track Olympia, Greece

5. The Olympic Athlete Only men could participate Men had to play in the nude or with very little clothing (“gymnos”) Running was the only event at the very first games

7. Rules In wrestling… No biting, No eye gouging, Breaking an opponent’s limbs was illegal, In boxing… Both men participated until one gave up or died In Greece, there was no Second Place— ”If you’re not first, your last” Only winners were honored, the losers were ignored Winners were given a laurel wreath for their head

8. The end of the Ancient Games Ended in 394 AD by the Roman Emperor Theodosius, who was a Christian Considered them “pagan” games

9. The Modern Games Revived in 1896 and first hosted in Athens, Greece No women allowed to take part Medals replaced the laurel wreaths

10. Berlin, 1936 Hosted by the Nazis Germans believe they were the best athletes in the world Jessie Owens, a Black American runner, won four medals and shattered that myth

11. Munich, 1972 Terrorists took several Israeli athletes hostage They were killed as they were being rescued

12. Atlanta, 1996 Centennial of the Games Many thought it would go to Athens, Greece 10,000+ athletes took part Bomb exploded in Centennial Park

13. The Olympics Come Home Athens 2004 Over 10,000 athletes to take part Pumped over $1billion into the Greek economy

14. Olympics Medals awarded in Athens SilverGoldBronze

15. Olympics Assignment Create a new games, which will include 6 of the original events (footrace, boxing, wrestling, javelin, discus, chariot race) and 6 new ones. List those out on your poster. Draw/Design your Olympic stadium/village (this is where the events will be held). Choose a place on the globe where you will hold these games (city, country, etc..) Group will be able to explain why they chose their 6 new events and describe what your group would change about the original 6 events.