9 Rosa's TimeKeeper Journal

Rosa's TIMEKEEPER JOURNAL The ancient Olympics began in the year 776 BCE and ran until 393 CE, when they were banned by a Roman Emperor. The modern Olympic games were reborn in Athens, Greece in 1896. Today, we host the games every four years. The Ancient Olympics The ancient Olympic Games took place in Olympia every four years in honor of the king of the Greek gods, Zeus. Around 50,000 people came from all over the Greek world to watch and take part. Only men were allowed to take part in the Olympics, and most of the competitiors were soldiers.

The prizes Today, Olympic champions win gold, silver, and bronze medals. Instead, at the ancient Olympics, winners were awarded a wreath of olive leaves, and were welcomed back to their homes as heroes. The Olympic Truce The ancient Greeks realized that the Olympics had potential for peace, so a sacred truce took place around the games that stated that nobody visting the Olympics was allowed to be harmed. These temporary truces were known as "Ekecheiria", which translates to "the holding of hands".

The ancient EVENTS The ancient Greeks competed in a number of challenging events at the ancient Olympics. Some variations of these events still continue at the modern Olympics today! Chariot race This was one of the most dangerous but thrilling events. It took place in a special arena called a Hippodrome, where chariots pulled by horses would race around a track 12 times. Stadion The stadion was a foot race, similar to the sprint at the Olympics today. In it, the competitors had to race one length of the stadium, which was around 160 ft (190 m). The length of the stadion was said to be the length that the god Heracles could run in a single breath!

Hoplite race This was another footrace that was introduced in 520 BCE. Athletes had to run two lengths of the stadium while wearing the armour of the Greek Hoplite soldier. It was a test of stamina and speed. Pentathlon This five-part contest consisted of a footrace, long jump, discus throw, and javelin throw. It then ended with a wrestling match between the athletes who performed the best in the previous four events.

Athens Vs. SPARTA Ancient Greece was made up of different city states. The states had different leaders, but shared the same language, believed in the same gods, and enjoyed many of the same activities. However, there were often some big disagreements... A ferocious feud One of the fiercest rivalries in Ancient Greece was between Sparta and Athens, the two most powerful city states, who were often in conflict or at odds. Sparta The Spartans were a nation of legendary warriors. Almost all men served in the nation's army, and they were raised to be soldiers from childhood.

Athens Athens was the largest and most influential Greek state. It was the birthplace of democracy, and home to great scientists and thinkers. The Athenians also had a powerful navy. Athens is now the capital city of modern Greece. The Peloponnesian War The Peloponnesian War began in 431 BCE. It was a battle for power between Athens and Sparta. Sparta eventually gained victory in 404 BCE.