Continuity and Change in ancient Greece and Rome |
Olympia
Stop Two: Olympia
The site of Olympia proves the ancient Greek’s continued devotion to Paganism, as multiple deities were praised and structures were created for both Zeus and Hera. Later on, we see that the Roman’s continued a Polytheistic religion through their early stages, assuming some Greek Gods as their own.
Olympia, the first site of the Olympic Games, was originally a sanctum devoted to the worship of Zeus, the ruler of the Olympian Gods. This site was established in the second millenium BCE, and is located in the western Peloponnese. Although the main temple of Olympia was dedicated to Zeus; Gaia, Pelops, Hera, and Themis were also worshipped. (Ancient History Encyclopedia, Olympia).
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The Olympic Games were traditionally held in honour of Zeus. These games were held at Olympia once every four years, and in the first years there was only one event; the stadion foot race. (Ancient History Encyclopedia, Olympia). Although the games served as a great way to honour their Gods and bring the city states together, the early games emphasized the large class system established in Ancient Greece, as only freeborn men were permitted to participate. (Ancient History Encyclopedia, Olympia).
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A separate event titled the Heraia games were held for the purpose of women competition. (Ancient History Encyclopedia, Olympia). This idea of the segregation of genders was not new for Ancient Greece; this concept was continuous throughout the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome. The lives of women in ancient Greece were centered around their roles as wives and mothers. Unlike men, they were unable to vote, hold political positions, build temples, hold citizenship, and for the majority live freely outside of the household. (Newman, Garfield, p. 152-153).
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"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well." - Pierre de Coubertin |
As well as gender roles, there was a huge disparity between the number of freemen and slaves in Greece. Slaves within ancient Greece held virtually no rights; they were free to be abused or killed with no consequence served (Newman, Garfield, p. 144). This notion continued into the Roman Empire, where around one third of the population were considered slaves (Newman, Garfield, p. 215).
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Images:
Head Image: 5
Black and White Olympia: 6
Olympic Athletes: 7
Quote: 8
Head Image: 5
Black and White Olympia: 6
Olympic Athletes: 7
Quote: 8