The Greek Olympics

Learning Targets• I will…– Develop an understanding of one of five

Greek city-states and their participation in the ancient Greek Olympics

– Research the format and structure of the Greek Olympics

– Participate in a simulated Greek Olympics – using knowledge rather than physical skill as the marker of “greatness”

The  First Olympics • No one is sure how the

Olympic Games really began, but the first recorded  event took place in Olympia nearly 3000 years ago

• Olympia was a sanctuary dedicated in honor of Zeus, the father of all Greek Gods and Goddesses. (located in Southwestern Greece)

Who could compete in the Olympics? 

• MEN!!!• Separate men’s and boys’

divisions• Divisions based on

chronological age and physical size and strength

Could Women Compete?• Could not compete –

married women barred under penalty of death from attending–Maidens allowed to attend

games• But, could be an

owner of a Chariot team or horse owner

What prizes did Olympic victors get?

• Olive leaf wreath • Statue of self set

at Olympia• Jars of oil• Fringe benefits

such as meals paid for or front-row seats at the theater

First Modern Olympics• In 1896, the first modern day Olympics

were held in Athens, Greece.– 1500 years after last ancient Olympics held– Frenchman, Pierre de Coubertin –to promote

peace, friendship and healthy sporting competition

– First Olympics – no women• 1900 (2nd modern Olympics Games) women

were allowed to in 4 events: croquet, golf, sailing, and tennis.• Of 1225 athletes only 19 were women

The HEP Olympics

• I need:– 3 groups of 3–2 groups o f 2

The Greek Olympics • Each city-state sent a team to

represent them in these famous games–We will have 5 city-states

represented:• Athens• Sparta• Corinth• Argos• Megara

Today’s Task…• Step #1: Read the description of your city-

state and its approach to the Olympic Games– You will then create a flag and pledge based on

that information.– At the start of our Olympics, you will each recite

your pledge and fly your flag.

• Step #2: Researching the Olympic Games• Step #3: Participating in the HEP Olympics

Welcome to the 2013 Olympic Games

• Hail athletes from Argos, famous Greek musicians!

• Hail athletes from Athens, famous Greek scholars!

• Hail athletes from Corinth, famous Greek traders!

• Hail athletes from Megara, famous Greek colonizers!

• Hail athletes from Sparta, famous Greek warriors!

Round 1: Cotton Ball Shot Put

• In order to get a chance to try your hand at the Shot Put, your team must answer as many questions correctly as possible.

• Each team that answers correctly will get a chance to throw a cotton ball for every correct answer…the more chances the better!

• The team with the farthest throws averaged together receives a ribbon. – Send a runner (but walk!) to stick this

ribbon on your flag!

Round 2: Javelin Throw• In order to get a chance to try your

hand at the Javelin Throw, your team must answer as many questions correctly as possible.

• Each team that answers correctly will get a chance at tossing a javelin… the more chances the better!

• The team with the farthest average receives a ribbon. – Send a runner (but walk!) to stick this

ribbon on your flag!

Round 3: Paper Plate Discus• In order to get a chance to try your

hand at “Discus”, your team answer as many question correctly as possible.

• Each team will place their feet at the starting line and throw the “discus”

• The team with the farthest throw receives a ribbon. – Send a runner (but walk!) to stick this

ribbon on your flag!

Round 4: Battle of the BlowBall

• In order to get a chance to try your hand at the “Battle of the Blowball”, you team must answer as many questions correctly as possible.

• Each team will nominate one member. Olympians will use their straws to blow a ping-pong ball from one end of the classroom to the end, where the goalposts are set up. The fastest time earns a gold medal.

• The contestant with the farthest jump receives a ribbon. – Send a runner (but walk!) to stick this ribbon

on your flag!

Round 5: Hula Hooping• The tie breaker…in the event of a

tie, we will have one final question with the round culminating in a hula-hoop-off

• The team to hula-hoop the longest receives a ribbon. – Send a runner (but walk!) to stick this

ribbon on your flag!