The discus throw also appeared in the early Olympic games. All athletes used the same discus, the diameter of which was 17-32 cms and the weight range was 1.3-6.6 kgs. Distances were marked with pieces of wood and sticks were used to measure length.

 

Originating as a weapon for hunting and warfare, the javelin soon found its way into the Olympics. However, the ancient javelin throw involved the use of an ankyle (bracket) a loop tied by the athletes at the javelin’s center of gravity. He could then insert one or two fingers in the loop, using this to increase his thrust.

 

Being the first form of unarmed fighting between individuals, wrestling had two positions: standing and lower. In the standing position, the winner had to wrestle his opponent three times. The lower position was played on wet ground, making the bodies slippery and hard to grip. Here, the winner had to bring his opponent to submission.

 

The pentathlon was introduced in the 18th Olympiads in 708 BC. A complex event, this included light sports (jump, race, javelin) and heavy sports (discus, wrestling). It is not completely clear how the winner was declared.

 

Also known as boxing, pugilism was another example of unarmed fighting. The participants used leather straps around their hands. The match ended when one of the two athletes was knocked unconscious or admitted defeat.

 

This was a combat sport that combined wrestling and boxing. Athletes used bare hands, but no teeth or nails. The winner was declared just the same as in pugilism.

 

Equestrian and chariot races were the most striking events. These took place in the hippodrome of Ancient Olympia, a wide, flat area with a pole indicating the start and finish line. A pole at the opposite end marked the turning point for the contestants. 

 

Following were the different types of chariot races:

The Equestrian events included:

The Olympics have certainly evolved over the centuries but have remained the most important of sporting events. It should make the people of Greece proud of their contribution to modern-day world

 sports. Ω