This is the stadium at Olympia. It was built during the 4th century BC and it was the largest of its kind at the time. It could seat 50,000 spectators!
The ancient games were also a religious festival, held in honour of Zeus, the king of the gods.
There were no gold, silver and bronze medals. Winners were given a wreath of leaves and a hero's welcome back home. Athletes competed for the glory of their city and winners were seen as being touched by the gods.
The ancient Olympic athletes would enter the stadium by walking under this archway.
Before the games began, messengers were sent out to announce a 'sacred truce' or a peace. This meant that any wars should be called off so that people could travel safely to Olympia.The entire games were dedicated to Zeus. Visitors flocked to see the Temple of Zeus. Inside stood a huge gold and ivory statue of the king of the gods himself
These are the remains of the gymnasium. Athletes went here to practise events that required a lot of space, like the javelin, discus and running.
The main event at the Olympics was not a sporting event, but a sacrifice. On the third day of the games, 100 oxen were sacrificed and burnt on the Altar of Zeus.
This altar was not made from stone. Instead it was made from the leftover ash of all the sacrificed oxen. By around AD200, the mound of ash stood six meters high!
These columns once stood along the edge of the Palaestra. This was a space where Olympians could practise their boxing and wrestling.
These are the ruins of the Temple of Zeus. Inside stood a giant statue of Zeus made from gold and ivory. It was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World!
Only men, boys and unmarried girls were allowed to attend the Olympic Games.
Married women were barred.
If they were caught sneaking in, they could be thrown off the side of a mountain as punishment!
However, women could still own horses in the chariot races at the Olympics.
Cynisca of Sparta was a famous princess who competed in the Olympics. She was the first woman to win a race as a chariot owner against men.
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This is the stadium at Olympia. It was built during the 4th century BC and it was the largest of its kind at the time. It could seat 50,000 spectators!
The ancient games were also a religious festival, held in honour of Zeus, the king of the gods.
There were no gold, silver and bronze medals. Winners were given a wreath of leaves and a hero's welcome back home. Athletes competed for the glory of their city and winners were seen as being touched by the gods.
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