Ancient Olympic Gamges to Modern Day Olympic Games

The ancient Olympic Games, part of a major religious festival honoring Zeus, the chief Greek god, were the biggest events in their world. They were the scenes of political rivalries between people from different parts of the Greek world, and the site of controversies, boasts, public announcements and humiliations. Ancient athletes competed as individuals, not on national teams, as in the modern Games. The emphasis on individual athletic achievement through public competition was related to the Greek ideal of excellence, called "arete". Aristocratic men who attained this ideal, through their outstanding words or deeds, won permanent glory and fame.

The modern Olympics were a vision of one man who had strived to see a unity that can only be seen from the ideals of the past (countries watching their heros cheering them for victory). These Olympic games of today transcend all obstacles of hatred and bitterness toward others. Instead, a growth emerges. Not every athlete gets a metal, but every athlete can bask in the glory of saying I was there, I was at the Olympics. But, during the Ancient Olympics (which began in 776 b.c.)

Linking the athlete’s ability directly back to the gods favor onto them. This in turn was essential in maintaining a strong Democracy and religious system. The Greeks power and strength came from their culture and unity; these odes demonstrated this. The gods in many ways ruled the lives of the citizens, in that Greeks believed that the Gods are the reason for their victories, not only in the Olympic Games but in day to day life. Without the help of the gods interventions Greeks did not believe success would be possible (Instone).

On the other hand he is a good man who has the following attributes: leadership, loyalty and perseverance. In ancient times, it wasn't a piece of cake to command a legion of 500 warriors or more and most importantly win a battle. However, Odysseus had managed to just do that in the Battle of Troy: “We are Achaeans coming from Troy, beaten off our true course by winds from every direction across the great gulf of the open sea, making for home, by the wrong way, on the wrong courses. So we have come”( Homer 9.259-261). As everyone is happy and overjoyed with any victory they achieve, Odysseus is thrilled and overjoyed and proudly hails that he fought for Achaea and won.

This is Ancient Greece during its Golden Age. The worship of gods was not just a practice for the Ancient Greeks it was a passion and they took it very seriously. Huge temples were built across the Peloponnesus and beyond that honored their respective gods in the Greek religion. Parades, sacrifices, banquets, and week long celebrations were held in honor of these gods that the Greeks based nearly their entire society off of. The Greeks would offer their lives, their family’s lives, all of their possessions to please the gods.

Although early Greek art focused on the human ideal, their later art shows that the Greeks appreciated all forms, and found the human body in general to be a beautiful thing. Even the gods in Greek art showed how highly the Greeks valued humanity. The gods were depicted as humans, and were made to human scale; no huge overpowering deity was ever portrayed in their art. The Greeks appreciated themselves in their art as much as they appreciated the gods. Even on the most famous temple of all time, the Parthenon, humans were portrayed.

Even after his death the Greek language carried on and so did many other customs. Alexander the Great, a fitting name given to a man that achieved everything he set out to do. Alexander was the definition of a great king. He showed his ruthlessness when needed, but was committed on uniting man for the greater good. His leadership, military tactics, and character could not be questioned and the legacy he left behind is the reason Alexander is “great”.

Brasidas was a hugely influential and inspirational Spartan general renowned for his courage and efficiency. Fellow Spartans aspired to emulate his character, which was the source of much awe across all of Greece. In fact, it is actually Brasidas’s reputation outside of Sparta which warrants more significant study due to its significant effect on the Peloponnesian War. On the subject, Thucydides writes, “The present valor and conduct of Brasidas, which was known by experience to some, by hearsay to others, was what mainly created an esteem for the Spartans among the allies of Athens. He was the first who went out and showed himself so good a man at all points as to leave behind him the conviction that the rest were like him (4.81.2-3).” Essentially, Brasidas’s reputed and proven courage became intertwined with the perception of Spartans as a whole.

It was a warm night in Barcelona, which was no surprise and every fan was proudly dressed in their teams kit, Red for united, or Grey for Bayern, which made the stadium look like vast patches of grey and red, shimmering in the light. "Were going to win", I shouted to my dad, so he could hear me over the roar of the crowd. "I can sense it". Everyone was full of confidence, especially us United fans, since only 3 days ago we had won the F.A. Cup and the League, and every Manchester Fan was hoping that we... ... middle of paper ... ...ls of anguish from the Bayern concrete wall, which I'm glad to say, was shimmering more than ever.

The summer Olympic games isone of the most prestigious events in world history. Olympic games started in Athens in 776B.C.E, mostly to praise all the gods but also to show political peace throughout Greece. Olympic games gave people chance to show off there skills and also to become well known to become known as a legend. These games really brought the community together it created and maintained a common bond. Only the best of the best athletes came and competed in the events.