Olympic Games Flashcards
Pelops and Hippodamia
As seen on the Eastern Pediment at Zeus’ temple at Olympia. Hippodamia was the daughter of Oinomaos , King of Pisa. Oinomaos had received an oracle that he was going to die once his daughter married. In order to avoid hid duaghter every marrying he set up a chariot race as he was very skilled. He challenged any of his daughter’s suitor to a race, if they lost they would be killed. Many people tried and died. Pelops challenged Oinomaos to a race and to ensure victory Pelops bribed Oinamaos’ charioteer to replace the bronze linchpins to ones made of wax. While racing, the heat from the friction melted the wax and there Oinamaos from the chariot killing him.. Pelops married Hippodamia and set up the Olympics as funerary games in honour of Oinamaos.
