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Only young men competed. The competitors were naked, in part because the weather was
hot in Greece, but also because the games celebrated the achievements of the human body.
The games were not friendly competitions as we know them today, but a bitter rivalry among the city states of the Greek world. Whoever won each contest was given a simple crown of olive leaves that came from a wild
olive tree in the Altis. But the main prize was fame and honour to the winner’s city. Poems were written about the winners of the games, they had statues made of them, and they were cheered in the streets. They also usually became very rich.
Women’s games
Only men, boys and unmarried girls were allowed to attend the Olympic Games. Women caught sneaking in faced a severe punishment!
Women did have their own festival at Olympia once
every four years. It was
called the Heraia and
was held in honour of Hera, wife of Zeus.
The main temple was in honour of Zeus.
THE OLYMPIC GAMES
The gymnasium and other training areas
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