The Rest Is History 79. Ancient Olympics
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Jul 26, 2021 Dive into the chaotic world of the Ancient Olympics, where athletes competed nude and glory often came with a side of violence. Discover the heroic yet brutal stories behind Greek superstars like Pelops and the political significance of the Olympic truce. Uncover the hidden struggles of women and the societal norms they challenged, along with the dark legacies that cloud these ancient games. The past and present clash as the podcast explores the evolving ideals of competition and camaraderie, and how modern sports compare in spirit and commercialization.
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Ancient Olympics and Glory
- Herodotus tells a story about the Battle of Thermopylae and the Olympic Games.
- Persian soldiers were shocked to learn that Greeks prioritized glory over riches.
Religious Significance
- The ancient Olympic games were primarily a religious festival, not just athletic competitions.
- They were considered one of the holiest events in Greece, comparable to the Eleusinian Mysteries.
Olympic Dating System
- The conventional start date of the ancient Olympics is 776 BC, based on the victory of Coroibos.
- Greek historical records used Olympic victors' names for dating.