Olympics

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Every single day we see something related to the Greeks. The ancient greeks impact us today in so many ways. For example, the Olympic games are this summer in 2012 in London. The Greeks created the Olympics back in 776 B.C. ("Ancient Greece") The games were ended a thousand years later due to the Rome empire. The Roman ruler thought the games were foolish and got rid of them. ("The Ancient Games" ) Coming back in 1896 the games have still continued today.

The first recorded Olympic games were held in Olympia in western Greece in 776 B.C. The games were held every two to four years. For the first thirteen games, there was only one event, Stadion. Stadion is a running race of 192 meters, this race was measured off of Zeus's foot. ("Ancient Greece") The sport was named after the building it took place in. This is where the English word stadium came from. In 708 B.C the second and third event was added, wrestling and pentathlon. Pentathlon is a combination of jumping, running, the discus throw, the javelin throw, and wrestling. Over the years sports were added. In 688 B.C Boxing made its debut; 680 B.C a four horse chariot race. And in 648 B.C horse racing as well as a combination of Boxing, wrestling, and kicking.("Recreation")

The Olympic Games were organized first as part of funeral ceremonies in 1200 B.C. Later the games became in honoring Gods. Large crowds of religious festivals appeared to watch the games. ("Olympic Flame") Wrestling, boxing, foot and chariot races, jumping, and the javelin throwing were included. The games had feasts and colorful processions. The Olympics brought people around the world to watch the greatest athletes. Victory was the highest honor an athlete could achieve. ("The Ancient Games" ) The Olympic flame is one of the most important and amazing parts of the Olympic ceremonies. It is lit during the opening ceremony. The fire is ignited in Olympia Greece and transported by relay to the site of Games. The flame symbolizes the light of spirit, knowledge, life, and it is a herald of peace. Today they still do the same thing and even transport it by relay from Olympia to anywhere in the world.("Olympic Flame")

No women could watch the Olympic Games. Only men could participate, no children or women. And the Olympics were limited to the amount of people in the actual games. ("Ancient Greece") Only once again, the Greek citizens participated. No poor could go to the games because they could not afford it. In conclusion only wealthy men and men could participate in the games and the stands. ("The Ancient Games" )

The Ancient Greek Olympics were different from modern day olympics. There were fewer events and only people who were free could participate. Who ever was in the games had to speak Greek. And the games were always held everytime in Olympia. This made it much easier instead of having the location change every few years.("Olympic Games")

Although the games have changed from the original games, there are still valuable traditions still alive today. The Olympic Flame is still carried today from Ancient Greece. ("Olympic Flame") There are also some sports still included such as wrestling. ("The Ancient Games" ) And the games are still held every other year with a Winter edition following with a Summer. ("Olympic Games") It is amazing to see an ancient event bring the world together in spite of struggle or war.



=**Work Cited**= . "Olympics." // Ancient Greece //. Ancient Greece, 2012. Web. 26 Mar 2012. .

"Recreation." // Ancient Greece //. G. 8. Chicagow: Workbook, 2008. Print. "Olympic Flame." // Olympic Games //. N. 14. Chicago: Workbook, 2008. Print.

"The Ancient Games." // Olympic Games //. N. 14. Chicago: Workbook, 2010. Print.