Our big, air-conditioned tour bus has just pulled into the parking lot at Olympia, Greece, the site of the first Olympic games. Judging by the number of busses already here, this must be a popular place. Let’s go see.
Can you guess when the first Olympic games were held? I’d have guessed 100-150 years ago. I’d have missed it by almost 3,000 years. The Olympic games go WAY back!
Almost 3,000 Years Ago…
The first Olympic games were held in the 8th century BC. That’s so long ago, it’s difficult to imagine. Back then, “Ancient Greece” as we know it didn’t exist. The Assyrian Empire in Persia and beyond was at its peak. A handful of city-states made up the area where Greece is now.
City-states such as Sparta and Athens were constantly at war with each other. The one thing that united them was their shared fear and dread of the Assyrian Empire – the Persians.
Sometime around 770 BC, three kings in the area called a truce. To try and ensure that the truce endured, they organized a sporting event between their city-states. They’d try fighting each other on the playing field instead of on the battlefield.
The sporting event, held once a year in Olympia, proved to be a big hit. Neighboring cities joined in, sending their best athletes to the event to represent them. Permanent buildings were built as part of what was becoming a sports complex dedicated to the event. Special arenas were built for some events.
Not Exactly Like Today’s Olympic Games
The original games at Olympia were similar to the Olympics of today, but there were differences, too. The event was open only to people from Greek, (or soon to be Greek), lands — no outsiders allowed.
The sporting events were different, too. Chariot racing was one of the most popular events. Two-horse and four-horse. Boxing was another popular event, as was wrestling.
There were running events of various distances, just like there are now. There was one running event we no longer have — running while wearing all of one’s armor. Typical soldier gear weighed 50-60 pounds, so this race was said to be a tough one. It was good soldier training, though.
Initially, some events came and went pretty quickly. Take, for example, the “Javelin Catch.” That one didn’t last long, for obvious reasons. (OK. I just made that one up to see if you’re paying attention).
What Events to Include in the Games at Olympia?
One can imagine how ancient sports aficionados decided which sporting events to include in the Olympic games. The conversation may have gone something like this…
Flabbius — “What do you think about Brutus’ suggestion that naked wrestling be included in the Games, Skinnius?”
Skinnius — “Gee, Flabbius, wrestling is a great sport, but I don’t know…”
Flabbius — “I think it’s a great idea. What’s your problem, man?”
Skinnius — “I don’ know… You’d get all dirty rolling around in the dirt in the hot sun. Scratched up, too.”
Flabbius — “Yea, verily, but it’d be a great test of mental fortitude and skill.”
Skinnius — “Yeah… I don’t know… you’d get all sweaty and stinky.”
Flabbius — “We’re already sweaty and stinky anyway. It’s going to be 2,000 years before anyone invents deodorant.”
Skinnius — “Yeah… Hey — how did you know that? Anyway, I don’t think I like the idea of wrestling naked.”
Flabbius — “You may have a point, there, Skinnius. I guess I’m not too keen on the idea of naked wrestling, either.”
Skinnius — “Yeah… naked wrestling… Ew.”
Apparently Flabbius and Skinnius were outvoted, because naked wrestling was one of the sports in ancient Olympic games. If fact, ALL of the athletes were naked, as one can see in the artwork of the day. Those were different times, eh? Ew.
To be continued…
