Now a worldwide event, the olympics started in ancient Greece as a form of competition and entertainment. The ancient Greek olympic games began in 776 B.C. The first Olympics was dedicated to the god Zeus and was celebrated in Olympia, Greece. Just like today, the olympic games back then took place every Olympiad, or four years. Foot races, javelin throw, long jump, wrestling, boxing, and discus throw are all examples of some of the events the athletes competed in. Every free male had to compete, and only men or unmarried women were allowed to spectate. “Although mortal, their Olympic victories immortalised them.” (Ancient Olympics, 2016) The athletes competed naked, and oiled their bodies for sun protection. The …show more content…
The Greeks played dice and board games. Greek men played sports, exercised at local gyms, and swam at public facilities. There have been many public athletic facilities found scattered throughout Greece. Children spent most of their time playing with each other. Boys played games that were not included in the Olympics, such as hockey. They also played non athletic games like marbles, dice, checkers, and knucklebones. Girls weren’t expected to play sports as much, but instead spent their time playing with dolls and other toys. Greek women had very few rights, so they did not participate in many of these activities. The Ancient Greeks played a wide variety of sports and games to entertain themselves and stay