The Olympics Past and Present

The Olympics Past and Present

TO BE THE BEST IN THE WORLD Every two years, top athletes from around the world meet to play against each other in the Olympic Games. Hundreds of countries compete in this huge sporting contest. The winner of each Olympic event receives a gold medal. A silver medal is given for second place and a bronze medal for third place. Did you ever wonder where the Olympic Games came from? The Olympic Games began almost 2, 800 years ago in ancient Greece.

THE ANCIENT OLYMPIC GAMES Long ago, Greece was divided into several regions called city-states. Each city-state had one main city. These city-states often fought wars against each other. In 776 Bc, the people of Olympia, Greece, created the first Olympic Games. The best athletes from all the city-states gathered to compete against each other. The Games honored Zeus, the king of all the Greek gods.

At first, the only events at the Olympics were races. But soon the Games grew to include fourteen different events. Most contests took place in a stadium, but the chariot races were held on a special racetrack. Some of the events were dangerous. Athletes were often hurt or even killed while competing in the ancient Games.

The prize for first place was a simple olive branch. But the winners were honored throughout Greece. Olympic champions were often given money by their hometowns to celebrate their victories. The Olympic Games brought the ancient Greeks together. Visitors to the Games gathered at the hotel, swimming pool, and sauna in Olympia. The Olympic grounds also included a market and a bank. People often made business deals or held family reunions while they were in Olympia to see the Games.

For some people, the Games had religious meaning as well. Many people visited the huge statue of the god Zeus in the temple in Olympia. Others enjoyed the procession, or parade, of all the athletes. And everyone came to a large feast. Most importantly for all Greeks, the Olympics were a time of peace. The city-states agreed never to fight during the Games. People felt safe to travel throughout Greece each time the Olympics were held.