The Ancient Olympic Games
"The most important element in Greekness or Hellenism was the
Greek language; their religion, in spite of its dozen or more Gods and
Goddesses, was also a unifying influence. This no doubt is why the great
religious festivals of the homeland at Olympia... become prominent during
or soon after the age of colonization.(Harris, 1972, pg 16)"
The Olympic games have many legends that make up their colorful history.
They were religious ceremonies in honor of the Gods that were often a test
of the strength and will of a man (since women were not allowed to compete). Each event has particular value to the games which made them
very interesting for all to attend. These games were also the first of
their kind to make all of Greece and its colonies call a truce for
the duration of the games and the time that it took to travel to and from
the games.
Olympia is located in southwestern Greece in Elis. The Ruphia river
runs to the Ionian Sea. On the north bank, there was a meadow and hills
located behind the temple of Hera and the sanctuary of Zeus where the first
games were held.
This site was created by Dana Sedlak. Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, Ancient Greek Civilizations Sophomore Inquiry Class, Prof. Karen E. Carr, November 1996