Special Sub-Topic: The Ancient Greek Olympics Click Here To Play: The Ancient Greek Olympics

What did competitors of the Games wear?

nothing. Shocking?? The competitors trained and competed in the nude. That is why the statues of discus throwers and chariot racers have nothing on. The Ancient Greeks had few 'hang-ups' about the human body, which they tended to regard as something of beauty in its own right.

When were the first recorded Games?

776 BC. The first Games were held in Olympia, on the southwest coast of Greece.

What was the only Olympics event until 724 BC?

200 yard footrace. The 200 yard footrace was called stade. The other events arrived in later years.

What did winners receive?

a wreath of olive branches. A wreath of olive branches is like today's gold medal.

Who recorded tales about the early Olympics?

Pausanias. Pausanias recorded stories about how the athletes trained and their competitions. Pindar was a poet who wrote only about the champions.

How long did athletes train?

10 months. During the last month of training, the athletes went to the town where the Games would be held and the Hellanodikai, the judges, would see if the athletes were ready.

What was the name of the horse track?

hippodrome. The hippodrome was where the chariot races and horse races were held.

How long was the diaulos?

400 yards. The diaulos was the length of the stadium.

When was wrestling first introduced to the Games?

708 BC. A wrestling match was over when a wrestler had thrown his rival to the ground three times.

When was boxing first viewed in the stadium?

688 BC. Some boxing matches could last all day long, and competitors often sustained damage to the face.