Source: CCTV.com
06-25-2008 10:16
The modern Olympic games were born of ancient games whose origins go back more than 2,700 years. The games staged in the Greek town of Olympia were the most popular and renowned of the athletic competitions. But they were not the only contests of athletic prowess in antiquity. There were the Pythian Games at Delphi, the Isthmian Games in Corinth. And, in honour of the god Zeus, the city of Nemea held the Nemean Games. And like the Olympics, the Nemean games are on once again.
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| The modern Olympic games were born of ancient games whose origins go back more than 2,700 years. The games staged in the Greek town of Olympia were the most popular and renowned of the athletic competitions.(Photo: CCTV.com) |
The ancient games included chariot racing, foot racing, the discus, and wrestling. The most popular event, the 100 metre foot race, is re-enacted as well as a 7.5 kilometre run called the "footsteps of Hercules." It follows the trail the Greek hero Hercules is said to have walked when he killed the Nemean Lion.
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| The modern Olympic games were born of ancient games whose origins go back more than 2,700 years. The games staged in the Greek town of Olympia were the most popular and renowned of the athletic competitions.(Photo: CCTV.com) |
The amateur athletes wear chitons- short tunics. But in ancient Greece athletes ran naked. Modern athletes may, if they wish - not many do. But under the rules they must run barefoot. And if they make a false start? Well, they'll be flogged just as they would have been in antiquity.
Participants range from six to 84 years old. None were professional athletes. But things have changed since the ancient Nemean games. Women can participate. In ancient times women weren't allowed even to watch the games.
Judges award the winners. There's no money, no medals, not advertising contracts. The winners are given palm branches.
Editor:Liu Fang
