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The Olympic Games

Home / The Olympic Games

Every four years the Olympic Games are held all over the world with the best athletes competing against one another to bring back the gold medal to their country. In ancient Greece, this was no different as Greek athletes from all over Greece came to Olympia to compete. What do you know about the Ancient Olympics?

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#1. When were the first Olympic Games held?

556 BC

556 BC

667 BC

667 BC

778 BC

778 BC

#2. Which sports did the pentathlon include?

Javelin throwing

Javelin throwing

Running

Running

Wrestling

Wrestling

Chariot racing

Chariot racing

Spear Throwing

Spear Throwing

Boxing

Boxing

Racing

Racing

#3. What is pankration?

A mixture of boxing and wrestling

A mixture of boxing and wrestling

Another name for boxing

Another name for boxing

Athletes wrestling with one another completely naked

Athletes wrestling with one another completely naked

#4. What did an Olympic winner receive?

A wreath made of olive branches

A wreath made of olive branches

A vase filled with oil

A vase filled with oil

Tax exemption and honours in their hometown

Tax exemption and honours in their hometown

All of the above

All of the above

#5. Which other Panhellenic Games Existed in Greece?

enter answer here

#6. The Olympic Games were abolished under the rule of which Roman Emperor?

Justinian

Justinian

Theodosius II

Theodosius II

Theodosius I

Theodosius I

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🏛️Dr. Elke Close
📚 Ancient Historian and teacher
📍Belgium
🏺Ancient Greece & Rome and the Hellenistic period
🎨 @drawingancienthistory @bricksanlegends

Funerary stele of Alkias of Phokis, a powerful exa

Funerary stele of Alkias of Phokis, a powerful example of ancient Greek artistry and martial tradition, discovered in Corinth, Peloponnese. This marble monument, dating to the late 5th century BC, was erected to honor Alkias, as indicated by the inscription on the cornice of the pediment crowning the stele. The craftsmanship reflects the skill of the Corinthian workshop that produced it, showcasing the cultural and artistic excellence of the period.

The stele depicts a dramatic moment of triumph: a hoplite, fully armored, strides forward to the left, his foot placed on the fallen nude body of an enemy. This imagery, common in funerary art, emphasizes the valor and victory of the deceased in battle. What sets this stele apart is the remarkable perspective rendering of the warrior, a feature that underscores the evolving techniques of Greek sculpture during this time. Originally, the details of the hoplite, including his armor and facial features, would have been highlighted with vivid paint, bringing the scene to life for ancient viewers.

#ancientgreece #funerarystele #hoplite #greeksculpture #archaeology #corinth #5thcenturybc #ancienthistory #greekart #culturalheritage #marblecarving #historyfacts #hellenistichistory #classicalart #warriorculture

Socrates developed a unique method of inquiry know

Socrates developed a unique method of inquiry known as the Socratic Method or ἔλεγχος. Instead of delivering lectures or offering direct answers, Socrates engaged others in dialogue, asking pointed questions to examine their beliefs and uncover contradictions. His goal was not to teach but to guide his conversation partners toward clearer thinking and deeper understanding.

Socrates often began with a seemingly simple question about a broad concept, such as justice or virtue. Through careful questioning, he would expose inconsistencies or gaps in their reasoning, leaving them in aporia—a state of puzzlement. This, he believed, was essential to genuine learning, as recognizing one’s ignorance was the first step toward wisdom. As he famously said, “I know that I know nothing.”

Socrates saw these conversations as more than intellectual exercises—they were a way to examine life and strive for moral clarity. His method relied on dialogue, humility, and relentless questioning, revealing the complexity of even the simplest ideas.

#socrates #socraticmethod #elenchus #ancientgreece #philosophy #greekphilosophy #aporia #ancienthistory #athens #philosophy #ancient #ancientgreekhistory #ancientathens #athens #athenians #classicalgreece

The Temple of Aphaia, located on the island of Aeg

The Temple of Aphaia, located on the island of Aegina, is one of the finest examples of ancient Greek architecture from the late Archaic period. Dedicated to the goddess Aphaia, a local deity associated with fertility and the transition between life and death, the temple dates to around 500 BC. Its strategic position atop a hill offers breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and mainland, underscoring its significance as both a religious and territorial landmark.

The temple is renowned for its well-preserved Doric design, featuring 12 columns on its long sides and 6 on the short sides, characteristic of the period’s architectural harmony. The pedimental sculptures, now housed in the Glyptothek in Munich, depict scenes from the Trojan War, blending mythology with the ideals of heroism and divine intervention. These sculptures are considered masterpieces of early classical art, showcasing the transition from the rigid Archaic style to the more dynamic expressions of the Classical era.

As part of a sacred triangle with the Parthenon in Athens and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, the Temple of Aphaia highlights the religious and cultural unity of the Greek world. Today, it stands as a testament to the skill of ancient architects and sculptors and remains a fascinating site for exploring the intersection of art, mythology, and history.

#templeofaphaia #ancientgreece #greekarchitecture #aegina #archaicperiod #dorictemple #greeksculpture #trojanwar #greekmythology #culturalheritage #ancienthistory #archaeology #hellenistichistory

This is the temple of Concordia at the Valley of t

This is the temple of Concordia at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. The name was derived from a Latin inscription from the Imperial period which was found in the 16th century near the temple and which was dedicated to the ‘concordia of the people of Agrigentum’. It was incorrectly linked to this temple.

The temple itself was built around 450-440
BC and is one of the best preserved Doric temples in the world. It has a raised base and a stepped platform called a krepidoma which adapts the uneven terrain. There are 36 columns on the outside of the temple which are 7 metre high. The building is 42 metres long and 19 metres wide.

By the end of the 6th century the temple was converted into a Christian church which allowed it to remain in such great state. However alternations were made to adapt the temple to this new form of worship. In 1788, the Prince of Torremuzza, restored the temple to his original glory.

#history #ancienthistory #ancientgreece #archaeology #archaeological #ancient #antiquity #temple #valleyofthetemples #greektemple #dorictemple #templeofconcordia #sicily #valleyofthetemplessicily #ancientsicily #doric

This statue is thought to depict the god Hermes ho

This statue is thought to depict the god Hermes holding a turtle, a symbol connected to his invention of the lyre. According to myth, Hermes crafted the first lyre using a turtle shell, strings of sheep gut, and his unparalleled ingenuity. As the messenger of the gods, patron of travelers, and god of trade and invention, Hermes was revered for his cleverness and resourcefulness. The lyre would later become an iconic instrument in Greek music and mythology, often associated with Apollo, to whom Hermes gifted it.

#hermes #greekmythology #ancientgreece #greekart #mythologyfacts #lyre #turtleshell #ancienthistory #greeksculpture #culturalheritage #archaeology #godsandmyths #classicalart #hellenistichistory #historylovers #ancientmusic #archaeological

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