Olympic events

Question 1

Describe the discus event

Answer 1

• originates from funeral games for PATROKOS in Iliad where an ingot of iron was offered as a prize by Achilles to whoever could throw it furthest
• discuses mostly bronze
• average weight 2.5kg
• diameter 17-35cm; thickness 0.5cm
• different weights for boys’ and men’s events
• some disks designed as religious offerings
• official discuses kept in treasuries of SIKYONIANS for fairness
• thrown with 3/4 turn before
• thrower focused on style rhythm and grace

Question 2

describe the javelin event

Answer 2

• strong connections with warfare; javelin used as a weapon
• takes place in the stadium, thrown from the BALBIS
• javelin is as tall as the thrower
• ANKYLE around around middle of the javelin and looped around the fingers - used to ensure a steadier flight
• throws of 91m possible
• three throws allowed

Question 3

describe the long jump event

Answer 3

• origins in military training for crossing obstacles
• halters used - swung forward upon takeoff and swung backward when the jumper landed
• halters of stone or metal 12-29cm; 1-4.5kg
• music pipes played to accompany event to create rhythm
• no running start

Question 4

describe combat events

Answer 4

• big attractions
• important to figure Warriors
• wealthy families had a trainer, PAIDOTRIBES, to practice in the palaistra; others practiced in gymnasium

Question 5

describe the wrestling event

Answer 5

• upright and ground
• upright - object to throw the opponent on the ground, three falls needed to win
  
  • a fall is touching the ground with back, shoulders or hip
  • no rounds, continuous
  • in SKAMMA, palaistra
• ground - win when the other competitor raises right hand with index finger pointing
  
  • KEROMA, palaistra; water added to make it muddy and sticky
• tripping allowed
• biting and gouging forbidden
• wrestlers put on olive oil and powder for grip
• naked
• no weight distinctions
• moves: FLYING MARE, HEAVE

Question 6

describe the pankration

Answer 6

• prize money greater than any other event
• skill and strength valued
• allowed: upright, ground, fist, open hand, leg and foot holds
• beginning of contest- twisting each other’s hands and fingers
• competitors trained to wrestle on knees
• techniques: STRONGHOLD, LADDER GRIP, STOMACH THROW

Question 7

describe the boxing event

Answer 7

• no wrestling or holding allowed
• can hit fallen opponent
• contests could last for hours, so often agreed to exchange of undefended blows
• in case of fatality, dead man crowned, opponent banished from stadium
• no boxing ring
• held at midday- sun
• thongs of ox hide used for gloves, dressed in oil or fat
• fleece around forearm for sweat
• tactics: blows to head, few defensive moves at first
• training: SHADOW FIGHTING, quick footwork, punching bag with sand or flour, SKAPANE

Question 8

describe the chariot races

Answer 8

• TETHRIPPON - team of four horses
• SYNORIS - team of two horses
• subdivided into horses of any age and for colts
• inspection to settle disputes about classification
• most dangerous part of course is the turn, passing circular altar at edge of south bank
• difficult because of sun
• charioteer carried whip
• chariots made of wood
• owners of chariots weren’t drives
• owner, not driver, received glory
• driver only gets ribbon

Question 9

describe the horse races

Answer 9

• exciting and dangerous - jockeys rode bareback, without stirrups
• ground churred, as it took place after chariot races
• Normal was 6 stades (1200m)
• also a race where the rider got off the horse and ran beside it for last bit of race

Question 10

running events ???????

Answer 10

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Question 11

Describe the pentathlon

Answer 11

• discus, jumping, javelin, running, wrestling
• if a competitor wins first three, he’s declared the overall winner and last two events cancelled
• tested an all-round athlete
• pentathletes praised for verdicts lite and supple body, NOT overdeveloped muscles