In a city in southwestern Greece, called Olympia, is the birthplace of the Olympic games. Created to offer thanksgiving and honor to Zeus, chief god, the first record of the Olympics dates back to 776 bc and the event occurs every four years thereafter. The first day of the festival was devoted to non-human sacrifices as praise to the gods. Speeches from famous philosophers , poetry readings parades, and banquets were also held before the games begun.

Athletics were of immense importance to the Greeks. The first Olympic Games were made up of only foot races and later through the centuries expanded to include wrestling, javelin hurling, discus throwing, boxing, jumping, chariot racing, horse riding, the pankration and the pentathlon. The period of competition gradually expanded to five days and the festivals

The competitions of the ancient Greek Olympics were only open to free men of Greek descent who have not committed any serious crimes. This was later extended to include boys in 632 bc. Women were not allowed to participated or witness any portion of the Olympics, as the events could become graphic. If a women entered the arena, she would be killed. A truce was put into effect before and during each of the Olympic festivals, to permit visitors to travel safely to Olympia and to maintain peace during the event. During the truce, wars were suspended, armies were prohibited from entering or threatening the Games, and legal disputes and the execution of death penalties were restricted. Violations of this truth were punishable by death. The Olympics in Greece were suppressed officially by Roman emperor Theodosius I in 394 ad because as a Christian he wanted to terminate pagan festivities. The first modern Olympics was held in Athens, Greece in 1896.

While there are many likenesses, there are also numerous differences between ancient and modern Olympics. Modern Olympics are open to everyone and any country, including women, not just Greek-speaking males as in ancient Greece. Furthermore, in the classical Greek Olympics, one received an olive crown if victorious , while in modern Olympics the victor receives a bronze, silver or gold medal, and Greece only had prizes for first place.

In conclusion, they Olympics have been a substantial part of our culture today as it was during the age of ancient Greece. The Olympics continue today in close replication of the classical Olympics. The Olympic games is an example of the many contributions ancient Greece has passed on to Western civilization

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