Dear Classical Wisdom Reader,
It's my favorite piece of trivia about the Olympics.
I’m writing to you from here in Ireland, and the first ever medal won by Ireland in the Olympics was a Silver in... (you won't guess this)... painting.
Yes, painting was once an Olympic event, with the medal for Ireland being awarded to Jack B. Yeats, brother of the famed poet William B. Yeats.
That was way back in 1924; some of the earlier games of the modern Olympics had much more emphasis on arts and culture.
Yet the history of the Olympics, of course, stretches back much, much farther than that. Indeed, it's one of the most enduring and visible legacies of the ancient world that we have.
But how did it all come to be? When did the ancient Olympics start... and how and why did they end?
Discover it all just below.
Members can go deeper with our article looking at the Top Five Olympians of ancient Greece, as well as our exclusive magazine looking at the history of sport in the ancient world.
Also, for a totally different sort of competition, the live awards for Classical Voices: The Iliad Worldwide is taking place today at 1pm EST, as part of the 2024 NJCL convention at Tennessee University. You can join that HERE!
So, I hope you enjoy the games… but if it’s not your thing, just remember, alongside painting, music, literature and sculpture were all once Olympic events too.
You may have the heart of an Olympian and just not realize it!
All the best,
Sean Kelly
Managing Editor
Classical Wisdom
The Ancient Olympics
By Divya Gupta
The first modern Olympic games were held in Athens, Greece in 1896. Around 280 participants from 13 nations competed in 43 sporting games. Since 1994, the famous games have been held separately as the Winter and Summer Olympics every two years. Yet these modern games are inspired by the ancient Olympics in Greece, which originated around 3000 years ago. From the 8th century B.C. until the 4th century A.D. these games were held every four years, between July and September, during the religious festival honoring Zeus.
The Origin of the Olympics
Ruins of the palaestra at Olympia, Greece.
The first ancient Olympic games were held in 776 BC in Olympia, on the first full moon after the summer solstice (around mid-July). The ancient town of Olympia was named after Mount Olympus, though it is nowhere near it. Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece, and in Greek mythology, it was considered as being home to the gods and goddesses, and the Sanctuary of Zeus.
The ancient Olympic games began as a regional religious event and reached the heights of national importance when the Greek empire spread in the 5th century B.C. What was once a friendly and fun-loving event, became a matter of colonial pride!
The winner of the first Olympic games was Koroibos, a cook hailing from the town of Elis who won the only game, stade (origin of the word stadium). Stade was a 192-meter-long footrace that continued to be the only sport for 13 Olympic festivals.
Olympic Games
Sporting activities were an integral part of Greek education. The athletes would start preparing at an early age by professional trainers who helped them develop muscles, regulated their diet, and taught them sporting techniques.
There were many other sporting competitions, but the Olympics remained the most prestigious one. After 13 successful games, two more races were added: the diaulos (around 400-metres race) and the dolichos (a 1500-meters race). In 708 B.C. the very famous pentathlon (a race with five events: a foot race, long jump, discus, javelin throws, and wrestling match) was introduced. Many other games were added through the years like boxing in 688 B.C., chariot racing in 680 B.C., and pankration in 648 B.C.
Space where Olympians would practice boxing and wrestling at the paleastra of Olympia.
Olympic Rules and Regulations
Greeks took these games pretty seriously. Every athlete had to report to the events one month before the games and had to declare that they have been training for a minimum of ten months. Non-Greeks, lawbreakers, slaves, and murderers were prohibited from participating. Many cities, including Sparta in 420 B.C., were excluded from the games too.
A relief from a funerary kouros base depicting two Greek wrestlers, one of the sports at such events as the Olympic Games at Olympia. c. 510 BCE. (National Archaeological Museum, Athens)
The Hellanodikai judges from Elis were trained specially to organize the event. They had the power to disqualify and punish participants who infringed the law. On the breaching of any rules, the athlete or the city he represented had to pay hefty fines.
The Participants and Olympic Champions
The Hellanodikai judges crowned winners with a wreath made of olive leaves and branches, as a sign of victory. Olive was significant to Olympia because it was planted by Hercules himself. In chariot races, the owners received these olive leaves while the charioteer was gifted a red ribbon to be worn on the upper arm or head. Victors were highly regarded and would often be welcomed to their hometowns with a grand ceremony. Large celebrations were organized in honor of their victory. Olympic winners were considered real heroes and received glory, fame, and historical immortality.
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Amongst the famous Olympic champions are Kroton, from southern Italy, and Leonidas of Rhodes. Literary tales also fabricate the story of Roman Emperor, Nero, who would win every game he competed in! The first woman to win a game was Kyniska in 392 B.C. Women were not allowed to participate but they could own a horse and hold a title on its win.
It is speculated that almost 45,000 people would attend these famous games. Food vendors, musicians, and artists would all come together to entertain people. Masses would extend their support with boisterous activities and hooting. No wars were allowed during the period and people would excitedly gather to celebrate the prestigious event.
End of The Ancient Olympics
Around the mid-2nd century, the Roman Empire conquered Greece and eventually the standard and quality of the games fell. In 393 A.D., Emperor Theodosius banned all ‘pagan’ festivals including the famous Olympics. The ancient game lasted for nearly 12 centuries with 293 successful Olympiads before coming to an end.
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