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The First Olympics Essay

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This year, the Sochi Olympic Winter Games will be an event full of exciting sports and breathtaking stunts. But have you ever thought about what the first Olympics were like in ancient Greek history? With the fans, not crowded around a television screen, but all seated and watching firsthand the events about to unfold. Just think about that, observing some of the strongest men in the world throw weights and men to the ground, chariots crashing together in an effort to place first. Now keep those images in your mind as I lead you through a day in the Olympics. You will learn that the Ancient Olympics were a religious event full of spectacular sports, breathtaking strength, and subsequently have become the worldwide event enjoyed by …show more content…

After the opening ceremony, the athletes stripped down and drew lots to decide where their starting positions would be or who their combat opponents (Faulkner 197). They would do this stark naked to show their build and strength to other opponents (Faulkner 198). The rest of the day is spent watching the boy or otherwise called the youth games that consisted of twelve to eighteen years olds competing in the short sprint, wrestling, and boxing (Faulkner 199). On the beginning of the second day there is another procession, called the Equestrian Procession, that starts at the Olympic Flame and ending at the Hippodrome (Faulkner 200). Along the way, they pay homage to about sixty-three altars (Faulkner 200). The procession includes the judges, the priests of Zeus and all of the charioteers, jockeys, horses, trainers, etc. (Faulkner 200). The day begins with the four horse chariot race, which was introduced in 680 B.C. and was seventy-two stadia (43,200 ft.) long (Faulkner 201). After that was the horseback racing which was six stadia (3,600 ft.) and was added in 648 B.C. (Faulkner 206). The horseback riders competed naked, rode with no stirrups or saddle, and were normally slaves (Faulkner 209). Since they were usually slaves, the jockeys never received victory olive wreaths, only the horse’s owner did (Faulkner 209). Then the two-horse chariot race began which was a race of 48 stadia (28,800 ft.) and was introduced in 408 B.C. (Faulkner

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