History and Origin of the Ancient Olympic Games

Stephanie Butcher
History 301 History of Ancient Greece
05/26/2012
Introduction

The ancient Olympic games represent a part of Ancient Greek history that the world continues to celebrate today. Every four years world nations gather at a specific site to compete in the Olympic games. This coming together of world nations symbolizes a time of peace and unity among the world. With every victory came honor, glory and pride for the winning athlete and their country.
The history and origin of the Olympic games includes religious celebrations, mythical stories as well all embracing Greece’s’ love and respect of pure athleticism. This paper will discuss the history and origin of …show more content…

Thus, they were known as the "truce-bearers" (spondophoroi) and the permanent legal advisors to the Eleans and official warrantors of the truce. The sacred truce played an important role in the Olympics. Before the truce, the mainland Greece region was disturbed by the unrest and civil wars. However, after the safety was guaranteed to the people by "sacred truce," the ancient Olympic games got popularity and became a source of unity and peace amongst the people of Greece.
Athletes in the Olympic games Until the 1970s, the Olympic athletes were not permitted to accept any sort of prizes or endorsements, and no professionals were permitted to enter into the competition of Olympic games. The professional athletes were thought to have undue gain over the participants who played the games as their hobby. The victor in the ancient Olympic was given first prize when the competition ended. The herald announced the name of the winner, and, a Greek Judge, Hellanodikis, would put a palm branch in his hands, and the audience threw flowers at him and cheered him. In order to symbolize victory, red ribbons were tied on his hands and head.4 On the last day when the games completed, an official award ceremony would be conducted, at the prominent foyer at Zeus’ temple. The Olympic winner’s name, with his father and homeland’s name