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 - throwing rules

The throwing of the discus was done in the following manner. First, the athlete rubbed his hands and the discus with sand so that they would be dry. Then he stood with his left leg forward, putting his weight on his right foot. Given he was a right-handed athlete, he held the discus in his hand and swung it up and down a few times. When the discus rose above his shoulder, he also supported it with his left hand. Each time the discus swung down and backwards, he slightly turned his body to the right. Bending his knees, he then transferred his weight from his right foot to his left foot and threw the discus forward with a vigorous swift swing. It is not known whether the discus-throwers run or rotated in order to gain speed like modern discus-throwers do. Small wooden sticks or nails marked the point where the discus landed whereas poles were used in order to measure the length of each throw.

 

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