Olympic Games
Mythical history of the games
"Evidently according to myth, many Greek gods and heroes competed in the first games at Olympia: Zeus wrestled his father, Kronos, for the throne; Apollo outran Hermes and beat Ares at boxing; and Herakles, often credited with founding the Olympic games, won victories in wrestling and the pankration, a no-holds-barred combat sport.
Greek athletes looked to their heroic predecessors for inspiration. Milo of Croton, a famed wrestler from antiquity, styled himself after Herakles, even wearing the hero’s trademark lion skin to complement his six Olympic wreaths. The Athenian boxing champion Dioxippos was renowned for defeating a fully equipped Macedonian soldier while “dressed” as a victorious athlete—in the nude, with his body oiled, crowned with a victory wreath—and armed as Herakles, carrying only a club. And the legendary boxer Diagoras of Rhodes was proclaimed the son of Hermes for his “super-human” athletic achievements." ~Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), New York
Olympia, Greece
Origin
The ancient Olympic Games originated in ancient Greece thousands of years ago. They were held in the city of Olympia, which was considered a sacred place dedicated to the god Zeus. The Games were a way for the ancient Greeks to honor their gods and showcase the physical abilities and skills of their athletes.
The Olympics became a celebrated tradition, bringing together athletes from different city-states to compete in various sporting events. Today, the Olympic Games continue to be a symbol of unity, international cooperation, and the pursuit of excellence.
Athletes: The Olympics brought together athletes from different city-states in Greece. Only free men were allowed to compete, and they trained for years to showcase their skills.
Events: The ancient Olympic Games featured a variety of events, including foot races, wrestling, boxing, chariot races, and discus throwing. These events tested the strength, speed, and agility of the athletes.
The Spirit of the Olympics:
The Olympic Truce: During the Olympics, a special truce was declared. It meant that all wars and conflicts were put on hold so that athletes and spectators could travel to Olympia safely.
Friendly Competition: The Olympics encouraged fair play, sportsmanship, and respect. It was not just about winning but also about participating and showing respect for fellow athletes.
The Olympic Flame and Torch Relay:
Lighting the Flame: A flame was lit at the temple of Hera in Olympia using the rays of the sun. It symbolized the purity and the connection between the ancient gods and the games.
Torch Relay: A torch was lit from the sacred flame, and it was carried by runners in a relay across Greece to the host city of the modern Olympic Games.
This flask was used to hold oil for cleaning the skin after athletic practice and competition. The swing handle and lid attached by a chain made it easy to carry and prevented spillage. The decoration itself evokes athletics. Statues of Hermes and Herakles, depicted here as herms, were traditionally set up in the palestra and the gymnasium where athletes trained.
Bronze balsamarium decorated with lion-skins and herms, late 1st–early 2nd century A.D. Roman, mid-Imperial. Bronze, 3 in. (7.6 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), New York
Explore Olympia, and the site of the orginal Olympic games!