Stuff You Should Know Olympic Torches: Remember Those?
Aug 13, 2020
Dive into the fascinating history of the Olympic torch and its pivotal role in opening ceremonies. Discover its Greek origins, symbolizing peace and unity, and the intricate design processes behind each unique torch. Enjoy humorous anecdotes about memorable moments from past relays, including the underwater flare at the Great Barrier Reef. The light-hearted discussions also touch on the competitive spirit of host cities and the growing collectibility of rare torches. It's a charming exploration of an iconic symbol that brings the world together.
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Fire's Importance in Ancient Greece
- Fire was very important to the ancient Greeks.
- They held torch relay races where the winner was the one who reached the end with a lit torch.
Prometheus's Gift and Punishment
- Prometheus stole fire from Zeus and gave it to humans.
- He was punished by having his liver eaten daily by an eagle, only to regenerate overnight.
Olympic Truce
- The Olympic Games were so important that wars would stop for their duration.
- Heralds would declare a truce throughout Greece to allow people to travel safely to the games.
