IMPORTANCE

SITE

OLYMPIAD

RULES

ATHLETIC EVENTS

Boxing

Javelin

Pentathlon

Discus

Equipment

Rules

Characteristics

Jumping

Running

Equestrian contests

Pankration

Wrestling

Messengers/Trumpeters

OLYMPIC VICTORS

ART

Discus

Unlike other sports, the discus did not begin as a military exercise nor as an agricultural activity. The first descriptions of this athletic event are found in Homer's Iliad, in the funerary games that were organized by Achilles in honor of Patroclus. In that event, Polypoites was pronounced winner and was given as a prize the solo, the unprocessed iron mass he used in the competition. In the Odyssey, during the games of the Phaeaceans in honor of Odysseus, the hero from Ithaca won the discus competition. In Greek mythology, discus throwing was associated with various unintentional deaths, as for example the death of Hyacinthus who was accidentally killed by his friend Apollo when the blow of Zephyrus threw the god's discus off course.

 

Topography:
Short description of the monuments at ancient Olympia

3D reconstructions:
Some of the most important buildings in ancient Olympia rendered in three-dimensions.

VRML:
3D reconstruction of the Temple of Zeus in ancient Olympia.

Other games:
Short reference on other famous contests in ancient Greece

In the first person:
Young Ariston shares his experience in the Olympic Games

Olympic victors:
Database of the ancient Olympic victors based on each athletic event and each Olympiad

Specimen sources

Bibliography