Student Article

Ever wondered what it would be like to attend the Olympic Games — 2,000 years ago? In 436BC, Olympia, a sacred place in ancient Greece, came alive with nearly 50,000 spectators gathering to see athletes compete, feast, and honor the god Zeus.

Journey and lodging

People traveled across the Mediterranean, sometimes through dangerous war zones. Married women weren’t allowed, and travelers often had to camp since hotels were rare. If you were lucky, you’d find a spot under an olive tree for shade.

Culinary highlights

Vendors sold snacks outside the stadium, but they were expensive. On the third day, 100 oxen were sacrificed to Zeus, and the rest became a massive feast for everyone.

Five days of excitement

* Day one: Athletes and judges swore oaths to play fair. Trumpet players and heralds were chosen. * Day two: Horse and chariot races thrilled the crowds. The pentathlon tested athletes in five events: javelin, discus, long jump, running, and wrestling. * Day three: No sports — just the ox feast! * Day four: Foot races, including one in armor, were followed by combat sports: boxing, wrestling, and the fierce pankration. * Day five: Winners were crowned with olive wreaths and celebrated with banquets and parades.

What to watch out for

Watch your money — pickpockets, fortune tellers, and the like were common. The smells? Not great — there were no baths! But you could hear poets, philosophers, and even the famous historian Herodotus speak.

Cheating and consequences

Judges kept order with whips! Cheaters were fined, and their names were engraved under statues to shame them forever.

© Nige Tassell / www.historyextra.com