The Olympic Games

Ancient Games and theModern Games

The Ancient Olympics

• Began in 776 BC at Olympia, Greece• Originally a religious ceremony in honor of

the Greek gods.– 100 oxen were sacrificed at the beginning of

the Games– “Olympic Truce:” All wars and battles were

halted so that everyone could come and watch the Games.

– Based on 4-year periods called Olympiads

Original Running Track:Olympia, Greece

The Olympic Athlete

• Men only allowed to play

• Men had to play in the nude or with very little clothing (“gymnos”)

• Running was the only event at the first Games

Rules

• In wrestling…• No biting,• No eye gouging,• Breaking opponent’s

limbs was legal,• In boxing…• Both men played until

one gave up or died

• In Greece, there was no Second Place

• Only winners were honored, the losers were ignored

• Winners were given a laurel wreath for their head

The end of the Ancient Games

• Ended in 394 AD by the Roman Emperor Theodosius, who was a Christian

• Considered them “pagan” games

The Modern Games

• Revived in 1896 and first hosted in Athens, Greece

• No women allowed to take part

• Medals replaced the laurel wreaths

Berlin, 1936

• Hosted by the Nazis• Germans believe they

were the best athletes in the world

• Jessie Owens, a Black American runner, won four medals and shattered that myth

Munich, 1972

• Terrorists took several Israeli athletes hostage

• They were killed as they were being rescued

Atlanta, 1996

• Centennial of the Games

• Many thought it would go to Athens, Greece

• 10,000+ athletes took part

• Bomb exploded in Centennial Park

The Olympics Come HomeAthens 2004

• Over 10,000 athletes to take part

• Pumped over $1billion into the Greek economy

Olympics Medals to be awarded in Athens

Silver Gold Bronze

Future Olympic Cities

• February 10, 2006- Turin, Italy (Winter)• Summer 2008- Beijing China• Winter 2010- Vancouver, Canada• Summer 2012- London, England, UK