Page 51 - Resources

Lesson 8, Greek Alphabet

Ancient Olympic Games Modern Olympic Games

Location Held at Olympia every 4 years from Started in Athens 1896. Every 4 years
776BC to 395 AD around the world except in war.

Purpose To honour Greek god, Zeus. Competition between sportsmen and
To promote good sportsmanship. sportswomen from many countries.
Lasted 5 days

Opening Trumpeters’ and heralds’ contest. Lighting of Olympic torch.
ceremony Oath to Zeus by judges and Televised spectacle
competitors. Speeches and recitals. Parade of athletes

Entertainment, speeches

Competitors Men only from Greek world Men and women from around the world
Separate women’s games

Events Chariot, horse races – 9 miles Running, jumping, shot, discus,
Pentathlon – discus, javelin, jumping, steeplechase, pentathlon, decathlon,

running, wrestling heptathlon, basketball, football, show-
Foot races jumping, rowing, swimming, hockey,
Pankration, wrestling, armour race, table-tennis, water-polo, etc + winter
boxing games

Distances Length of stadium – 192.28 metres 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1,500m,
raced 2 x stadium – 384.56 m 5,000m, 10,000m, marathon of 26
20 x stadium – 3,845.56 m miles 385 yards.
24 x stadium – 4,614.72m

Equipment Discus, javelin, weights for jumping, Everything for events above + torch
chariots, horses, armour,

Sticks to beat runners

Prizes Olive leaf crown, woollen ribbons, Gold, silver, bronze medals
freedom from taxation, marry girl of Extinguish torch after games
choice, feast and celebration

(Greek Grandeur, Hebrew Heart) 77