Special Topics in Sports History

Special Topics in Sports History

Sports in Antiquity

The Greeks and Romans, two ancient civilizations that have been said to have impact on modern sports and even philosophy. When it comes to comparing these two ancient civilizations and their sporting events there are similarities but plenty of differences.

The Greek’s are the creators/funders of the first Olympics ever recorded. According to Cartwright, “The first Olympics were held from 776 BCE at the first full moon after the summer solstice (around middle of July) in honor of Zeus”. These games were the most important cultural events in Greece, which lasted till 393 CE for a run of 293 consecutive Olympiads. Olympiads was the term used to represent the winners of events but also the period between games. According to my math, the above statement indicates that the Olympics went on for 1,172 consecutive years. Till this day the Olympics are a sign of unite between different countries, religions, beliefs, and cultures. According to Cartwright, “Spectators came from not only the Greek mainland but also the island, Ionia and Magna Graecia. To facilitate the movement of spectators and athletes and in respect of the religious importance of the games a scared truce (ekecheiria) was called across Greece”. A true number of spectators will never be known since there was no tools to recorded guests. We can only estimate based on the sizes of the stadium and surrounding cities that there would be about 30,000 or so consisting of men, slaves, local, and travelers. Notice I did not mention women into the estimated 30,000 of spectators. At this specific time woman were not able to participate nor watch the events.

Olympic events included:

1. Stade (200 Yards)

2. Dianlos (1 lap front/back)

3. Dolichos (24 Stade)

4. Hoplite (1 lap front/back with Armor)

5. Boxing

6. Wrestling

7. Pancration

8. Peculiar (Jump, Discus, Javelin)

9. Pentathlon (overall of 5 events) (Stade, Wrestling, Jump,...