The Greek Olympics

           You probably have seen the modern Olympics, but have you wondered what it was like when the Greeks first invented it? You might ask yourself questions like, “What sports did they do?”, “What would you get if you won?”, or “Why did they end the Olympics?” I have the answer to your questions right here.

           The Greeks did not have most of the sports that we have in the Olympics today, like swimming or ice skating. Instead, they had sports which were much more dangerous than the ones we have today. You see, they had sports like foot races, javelin throwing, discus throwing, chariot racing, horse racing, wrestling, boxing, and pentathlon.

            In the modern Olympics, if you win, you get a medal. A gold medal for first, a silver medal for second, and a bronze medal for third. Although it is a big deal to win the Olympics today, winning the Olympics in ancient Greece was even more of a miracle. If you won, you would get a laurel wreath, fame in the victor’s hometown, lots of choices for marriage partners, and no tax for the rest of there lives. However, the competitors fought viciously, so it was very difficult to win.

            Olympia was the place where the Olympics were held. Olympia was right under Mt. Olympus, which was where the gods were thought to live. Sadly, in 394 AD, Olympia was destroyed by earthquakes, making it almost impossible to continue with the Olympics. The following year, the Olympics were officially ended by Emperor Theodosius. However, Pierre de Coubertine of France started the Olympics again, but changed the sports and the reward.

            As you can see, the ancient Olympics were very interesting. They had different sports and rewards when the Olympics was first invented by the Greeks. Sadly, the Olympics was officially ended by earthquakes and Emperor Theodosius in 395 AD. However, Pierre de Coubertine started the Olympics again, but changed it a little bit.