Who created the first Olympic Games. History of Olympic Games

Modern youth devotes little time to sports, not only at the professional, but also at the amateur level. There is an extensive network of competitions to promote sports. Today we will consider in which country originated olympic competitions when they were held, the situation today.

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Sports competitions of antiquity

The date of the first Olympic Games (hereinafter referred to as the Olympic Games) is unknown, but preserved theirs is ancient greece. The heyday of Hellenic statehood led to the formation of a religious and cultural holiday, which for a time united the layers of an egoistic society.

The worship of beauty was actively cultivated human body, enlightened people sought to achieve the perfection of forms. It is not for nothing that most of the marble statues of the Greek period depict beautiful men and women of that time.

Olympia is considered the first "sports" city of Hellas, here the winners of the championships were revered as full participants in the hostilities. In 776 B.C. the festival was revived.

The reason for the decline of the Olympic Games is the Roman expansion into the Balkans. With the spread of the Christian faith, such holidays began to be considered pagan. In 394, Emperor Theodosius I banned sports competitions.

Attention! Sport competitions provided for several weeks of neutrality - it was forbidden to declare or wage war. Every day was considered sacred, dedicated to the gods. It is not surprising that they originated Olympic Games in the territory of Hellas.

Prerequisites for the revival of the Olympic Games

The ideas of world championships never completely died out; England held tournaments and sports competitions of a local nature. The history of the Olympic Games of the 19th century is characterized by the holding of Olympia, the forerunner of modern competitions. The idea belongs to the Greeks: Sutsos and public figure Zappas. They made the first modern Olympic Games possible.

Archaeologists have discovered in the country where sports competitions originated, clusters of ancient monumental structures of unknown purpose. those years was very interested in antiquity.

Baron Pierre de Coubertin considered the physical training of soldiers inappropriate. In his opinion, this was the reason for the defeat in the last war with the Germans (the Franco-Prussian confrontation of 1870-1871). He sought to instill in the French a desire for self-development. He believed that young people should "break spears" in sports arenas, and not through military conflicts.

Attention! Excavations in Greece were carried out by a German expedition, so Coubertin succumbed to revanchist sentiments. His expression is “The German people found the remains of Olympia. Why does France not restore the fragments of its former power? ”, often serves as fair evidence.

Baron with a great heart

is the founder modern Olympic Games. Let's devote a few words to his biography.

Little Pierre was born on January 1, 1863 in the capital of the French Empire. The youth passed through the prism of self-education, attended a number of prestigious colleges in England and America, considered sports an integral part of the development of a person as a person. He was engaged in rugby, was a judge of the first final of the French championship.

The history of the famous competitions was of interest to the then society, so Coubertin decided to hold world-class competitions. November 1892 was remembered for a speech at the Sorbonne University with a report. He was dedicated to the revival of the Olympic movement. The Russian general Butovsky was imbued with Pierre's ideas, as he held the same views.

International Olympic Committee(IOC) appointed de Coubertin Secretary General, subsequently - organization president. Work went hand in hand with an imminent marriage. In 1895, Marie Rothan became a baroness. The marriage brought two children: first-born Jacques and daughter Rene suffered from diseases nervous system. The Coubertin family ended after Marie's death at the age of 101. She lived with the knowledge that her husband revived the Olympic Games, held a prominent position.

With the beginning, Pierre went to the front, leaving social activities. Both of his nephews died en route to victory.

As head of the IOC, Coubertin often faced criticism. The public resented the "wrong" interpretation of the first Olympic Games, excessive professionalism. Many claimed that he abused power in dealing with issues of various kinds.

Great public figure died September 2, 1937 year in Geneva (Switzerland). His heart became part of a monument near the ruins of Greek Olympia.

Important! The Pierre de Coubertin medal has been awarded by the IOC since the death of the Honorary President. Worthy athletes are honored with this award for their nobility and adherence to the spirit of Fair Play.

Olympic revival

The French baron revived the Olympics, but the bureaucratic machine delayed the championship. Two years later, the French Congress made a historic decision: the first modern Olympic Games will pass on Greek soil. Reasons for this decision include:

• the desire to "wipe the nose" of the German neighbor;
• make a good impression on civilized countries;
• championship in the undeveloped area;
• the growing influence of France as a cultural and sports center Old World.

The first modern Olympic Games took place in the Greek city of Antiquity - Athens (1896). Sports competitions were crowned with success, 241 athletes expressed their desire to participate. The Greek side was so pleased with the attention from the world states that they offered to hold competitions “forever” in their historical homeland. The IOC also decided to rotate between countries in order to change the host every 4 years.

The first achievements were replaced by a crisis. The flow of spectators quickly dried up, as the competitions were held for several months. The first Olympiad in 1906 (Athens) saved the plight.

Attention! The national team of the Russian Empire arrived in the capital of France for the first time, women were allowed to participate in competitions.

Irish-born Olympian

James ConnollyJames Connolly - first Olympic champion peace. Working hard from an early age, he was fond of contact sports.

He studied at Harvard University, without asking went on a cargo ship to the shores of Greece. Subsequently, he was expelled, but the first Olympiad succumbed to him.

With a score of 13 m and 71 cm, the Irishman was the strongest in the track and field triple jump. A day later, he won bronze in long jump and silver in high jump.

At home, he was waiting for the restored title of student, popularity and universal recognition as the first champion of modern famous competitions.

He was awarded the title of Doctor of Science in Literature (1949). He died at the age of 88 (January 20, 1957).

Important! The Olympic Games are held under the supervision of a unique symbol - five fastened rings. They symbolize the unity of all in the movement of sports excellence. Above are blue, black and red, below are yellow and green.

Situation today

Modern competitions are the founder of the culture of health and sports. Their popularity and demand is beyond doubt, and the number of participants and spectators of the competition is growing every year.

The IOC is trying to keep up with the times, has established many traditions that have taken root over time. Hosting sports competitions now filled with atmosphere"ancient" traditions:

1. Grand performances at the opening and closing ceremonies. Everyone tries to hold them on a grand scale, and someone overdoes it.
2. Solemn passage of athletes of each participating country. The Greek team always goes first, the rest are in alphabetical order.
3. An outstanding athlete of the host country must take an oath of fair play for everyone.
4. Ignition of a symbolic torch in the temple of Apollo (Greece). It runs through the participating countries. Each athlete must overcome his part of the relay.
5. The awarding of medals is filled with centuries-old traditions, the winner rises to the podium, above which the state flag is raised, the national anthem is played.
6. A prerequisite is the symbolism of the "first Olympiad". Host style stylized symbol sports festival, which would reflect the national flavor.

Attention! The release of souvenir products can cover the costs of the event. Many European countries will share their experience on how to gain without losing anything.

Many are interested in when the Olympic Games will take place, we hasten to satisfy the interest of readers.

The ceremony of lighting a symbolic torch in the temple

What year is the new championship

First Olympiad 2018 take place on the territory South Korea. Climatic features and rapid development have made it an ideal contender for the Winter Games.

Summer takes Japan. The country of high technologies will provide safety and comfortable conditions for athletes from all over the world.

Football confrontation will be on the fields Russian Federation. Now most of the sports facilities have been completed, work is underway to equip hotel complexes. Improving infrastructure is a priority for the Russian government.

2018 Olympics in South Korea

prospects

Modern ways of development of these competitions suggest:

1. Increasing the number of sports disciplines.
2. propaganda healthy lifestyle life, social and charitable events.
3. The introduction of advanced technologies for the convenience of holding festivities, enhancing the safety and comfort of participating athletes.
4. Maximum distance from foreign policy intrigues.

First Olympic Games

1896 Olympic Games

Conclusion

Pierre de Coubertin is the founder of the modern Olympic Games. His obsession has helped save millions of lives as countries openly compete in the sporting arena. Preservation of peace was a priority at the end of the 19th century, and it remains so today.

Olympic Games - the most significant in the world sport competitions. They are held every four years. Every athlete dreams of winning these competitions. The origin of the Olympic Games dates back to ancient times. They were held as early as the seventh century BC. Why were the ancient Olympic Games called holidays of peace? In which country were they first held?

The myth of the origin of the Olympic Games

In ancient times, these were the greatest national festivals. Who is the founder of the ancient Olympic Games is unknown. Myths and legends played a significant role in the social and cultural life of the ancient Greeks. The Greeks believed that the birth of the Olympic Games dates back to the time of Kronos, the son of the first god Uranus. In a competition between mythical heroes, Hercules won on the run, for which he was awarded an olive wreath. Subsequently, the winner insisted that a sporting event be held every five years. Such is the legend. Of course, there are other legends about the origin of the Olympic Games.

To historical sources confirming the holding of these festivities in Ancient Greece, refers to the "Iliad" by Homer. This book mentions a chariot race organized by the inhabitants of Elis, the area in the Peloponnese where Olympia was located.

Holy Truce

A mere mortal who played a significant role in the development of the ancient Greek Olympic Games was King Ifit. During his reign, the interval between the competitions was already four years. Resuming the Olympic Games, Ifit declared a sacred truce. That is, during these festivities it was impossible to wage war. And not only in Elis, but also in other parts of Hellas.

Elis was considered a sacred place. It was impossible to wage war with her. True, later the Eleans themselves invaded neighboring areas more than once. Why were the ancient Olympic Games called holidays of peace? Firstly, the holding of these competitions was associated with the names of the gods highly revered by the ancient Greeks. Secondly, the aforementioned truce was announced for a month, which had a special name - ἱερομηνία.

About the sports in the Olympic Games held by the Hellenes, scientists still have not come to a consensus. There is an opinion that initially athletes competed only in running. Later, wrestling and chariot racing were added to the sports in the Olympic Games.

Members

Among the citizens in ancient Greece were those who were subjected to public dishonor and contempt by others, i.e. atymia. They could not become participants in competitions. Only respected Hellenes. Of course, the barbarians, who could only be spectators, did not take part in the ancient Olympic Games either. An exception was made only in favor of the Romans. At the ancient Greek Olympic Games, a woman did not even have the right to be present if she was not a priestess of the goddess Demeter.

The number of spectators and participants was huge. If at the first Olympic Games in Ancient Greece (776 BC) competitions were held only in running, then later other sports appeared. And over time, poets and artists got the opportunity to compete in their skills. During the festivities, even deputies competed with each other in the abundance of offerings to mythical deities.

It is known from the history of the Olympic Games that these events had a rather important social and cultural significance. Deals were made between merchants, artists and poets introduced the public to their creations.

Competitions were held on the first full moon after the summer solstice. It went on for five days. A certain part of the time was devoted to rituals with sacrifices and a public feast.

Types of competitions

The history of the Olympic Games, as already mentioned, is full of stories and legends. However, there is reliable information regarding the types of competitions. At the first Olympic Games in Ancient Greece, athletes competed in running. This sport was represented by the following varieties:

• Distance running.
• Double run.
• Long run.
• Running in full armor.

The first fist fight took place at the 23rd Olympiad. Later, the ancient Greeks added martial arts such as pankration, wrestling. It was said above that women did not have the right to take part in competitions. However, in 688 BC, special competitions were created for the most purposeful inhabitants in ancient Greece. the only sport in which they could compete, there were horse races.

In the fourth century BC, a competition between trumpeters and heralds was added to the program of the Olympic Games - the Hellenes believed that aesthetic pleasure and sport had a logical connection. Artists exhibited their works on the market square. Poets and writers, as mentioned above, read their writings. Sculptors were sometimes ordered statues of winners after the end of the Games, lyrics in honor of the strongest and most dexterous composed laudatory songs.

Ellanodons

What were the names of the judges who watched the course of the competition and awarded awards to the winners. Ellanodons were appointed by lot. The judges not only presented the award, but also managed the organization of the entire event. At the first Olympic Games there were only two, then nine, and later ten. Beginning in 368 BC, there were twelve Hellanodons. True, later the number of judges decreased. The Ellanodons wore a special purple robe.

How did the competition start? Athletes proved to spectators and judges that the previous months were devoted exclusively to preliminary preparation. They took an oath in front of the statue of the main ancient Greek god - Zeus. Relatives of those wishing to compete - fathers and brothers - also took an oath. A month before the competition, the athletes demonstrated their skills in front of the judges at the Olympic Gymnasium.

The order of the competition was determined by drawing lots. Then the herald publicly announced the name of the contestant. Where were the Olympic Games held?

Sanctuary of Ancient Greece

Where the Olympic Games were held is already clear from the name. Olympia is located in the northwestern part of the Peloponnesian Peninsula. This was once located temple-cultural complex and sacred grove of Zeus. On the territory of the ancient Greek sanctuary there were religious buildings, monuments, athletic facilities and the houses where participants and guests lived. This place was the center of Greek art until the fourth century BC. Later they were burned by order of Theodosius II.

The Olympic Stadium was built gradually. He became the first in ancient Greece. In the fifth century BC, this stadium received about forty thousand spectators. For training, a gymnasium was used - a structure, treadmill which was equal in length to the one that was in the stadium itself. Another platform for preliminary preparations - palestra. It was a square building with a courtyard. Mostly athletes who competed in wrestling and fisticuffs trained here.

Leonidoyon, which served as a function, was built in the fifth century BC according to the project of a well-known architect in Ancient Greece. The huge building consisted of a courtyard surrounded by columns and included many rooms. The Olympic Games played an important role in the religious life of the Hellenes. That is why here the locals erected several temples and shrines. The buildings fell into disrepair after an earthquake that occurred in the sixth century. The hippodrome was finally destroyed during the flood.

The last Olympic Games in Ancient Greece took place in 394. Banned by Emperor Theodosius. In the Christian era, these events were regarded as pagan. The revival of the Olympic Games occurred after two millennia. Although already in the 17th century, competitions reminiscent of the Olympic ones were held repeatedly in England, France and Greece.

Revival of ancient Greek traditions

The forerunners of the modern Olympic Games were the Olympia, held in the middle of the 19th century. But they, of course, were not so large-scale and had little in common with the competitions, which in our time take place every four years. French Pierre de Coubertin played a significant role in the revival of the Olympic Games. Why did the Europeans suddenly remember the traditions of the ancient Greeks?

In the middle of the 17th century, archaeological research was carried out in Olympia, as a result of which scientists discovered the remains of temple structures. The work continued for more than ten years. At that time, everything related to Antiquity was popular in Europe. Many public and cultural figures became infected with the desire to revive the Olympic traditions. At the same time, the French showed the greatest interest in the culture of holding sports competitions in Ancient Greece, although the archaeological discoveries belonged to the Germans. This can be easily explained.

In 1871, the French army was defeated, which significantly undermined the patriotic spirit in society. Pierre de Coubertin believed that the reason was in a weak physical training soldier. He did not try to inspire his compatriots to fight against Germany and other European powers. The French public figure spoke a lot about the need to improve physical education, but also advocated overcoming national selfishness and establishing international understanding.

First Olympic Games: new time

In June 1894, a congress was held at the Sorbonne, at which Coubertin presented to the world community his thoughts on the need to revive ancient Greek traditions. His ideas were supported. On the last day of the congress, it was decided to hold the Olympic Games in two years. They were supposed to take place in Athens. Conduct Committee international competitions led by Demetrius Vikelas. Pierre de Coubertin took over as general secretary.

The 1896 Olympic Games were the biggest sporting event ever. Greek statesmen put forward a proposal to hold the Olympic Games exclusively in their homeland. However, the committee decided otherwise. The venue for the Games changes every four years.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Olympic movement was not widely popular. This is partly due to the fact that at that time in Paris was held world exhibition. Some historians believe that the Olympic ideas were saved thanks to the intermediate games of 1906, held again in Athens.

Differences between modern Games and ancient Greek

Competitions were resumed on the model of ancient sports competitions. The modern Olympic Games unite athletes from all states; discrimination against individuals on religious, racial, political grounds is not allowed. This, perhaps, is the main difference between the modern Games and the ancient Greek ones.

What did the modern Olympic Games borrow from the ancient Greek? First of all, the names themselves. The frequency of the competitions was also borrowed. One of the purposes of the modern Olympic Games is to serve the world, to establish mutual understanding between countries. This is in tune with the ideas of the ancient Greeks about a temporary truce during the days of the competition. The Olympic flame and torch are the symbols of the Olympics, which, of course, originated in antiquity. Some terms and rules for holding competitions were also borrowed from the ancient Greeks.

There are, of course, several significant differences between modern Games and antique. The ancient Greeks held sports events exclusively in Olympia. Today the Games are organized each time in a different city. In ancient Greece, there was no such thing as the Winter Olympics. Yes, the competition was different. In antiquity in the Olympic Games were attended not only by athletes, but also by poets.

Symbolism

Everyone knows what the symbol of the Olympic Games looks like. Five fastened rings in black, blue, red, yellow and green. However, few people know that these elements do not belong to any particular continent. sounds in Latin, translated into Russian means "faster, higher, stronger". The flag is a white cloth with rings. It has been raised at every Games since 1920.

Both the opening and closing of the Games are accompanied by a grandiose, colorful ceremony. The best organizers of mass events are involved in the development of the script. Famous actors and singers strive to participate in this spectacle. The broadcast of this international event attracts tens of millions of viewers around the world to television screens.

If the ancient Greeks believed that in honor of the Olympic Games it was worth suspending any hostilities, then in the twentieth century the opposite was true. Sports competitions were canceled due to armed conflicts. The games were not held in 1916, 1940, 1944. Russia has hosted the Olympics twice. In 1980 in Moscow and in 2014 in Sochi.

The content of the article

OLYMPIC GAMES OF ANCIENT GREECE- the largest sports competitions of antiquity. They originated as part of a religious cult and were held from 776 BC. to 394 AD (a total of 293 Olympiads were held) in Olympia, which was considered a sacred place by the Greeks. The name of the Games comes from Olympia. The Olympic Games were a significant event for the whole of Ancient Greece, which went beyond purely sporting event. The victory at the Olympics was considered extremely honorable both for the athlete and for the policy he represented.

From the 6th c. BC. Following the example of the Olympic Games, other all-Greek competitions of athletes began to be held: the Pythian Games, the Isthmian Games and the Nemean Games, also dedicated to various ancient Greek gods. But the Olympics were the most prestigious among these competitions. The Olympic Games are mentioned in the works of Plutarch, Herodotus, Pindar, Lucian, Pausanias, Simonides and other ancient authors.

At the end of the 19th century The Olympic Games were revived at the initiative of Pierre de Coubertin.

The Olympic Games from inception to decline.

There are many legends about the origin of the Olympic Games. All of them are associated with the ancient Greek gods and heroes.

The most famous legend tells how the king of Elis Ifit, seeing that his people were tired of endless wars, went to Delphi, where the priestess of Apollo conveyed to him the command of the gods: to arrange pan-Greek athletic festivals pleasing to them. After that, Iphitus, the Spartan legislator Lycurgus and the Athenian legislator and reformer Cliosthenes established the procedure for holding such games and entered into a sacred alliance. Olympia, where this festival was to be held, was declared a sacred place, and anyone who enters its borders armed is a criminal.

According to another myth, Zeus' son Heracles brought the sacred olive branch to Olympia and instituted the Games of Athletes to commemorate Zeus' victory over his ferocious father Cronus.

There is also a legend that Hercules, having organized the Olympic Games, perpetuated the memory of Pelops (Pelops), who won the chariot race of the cruel king Enomai. And the name Pelops was given to the Peloponnese region, where the "capital" of the ancient Olympic Games was located.

Religious ceremonies were an obligatory part of the ancient Olympic Games. According to the established custom, the first day of the Games was set aside for sacrifices: the athletes spent this day at the altars and altars of their patron gods. A similar ceremony was repeated on the final day of the Olympic Games, when awards were presented to the winners.

At the time of the Olympic Games in Ancient Greece, wars stopped and a truce was concluded - ekecheria, and representatives of the warring policies held peace negotiations in Olympia in order to resolve conflicts. On the bronze disk of Ifit with the rules of the Olympic Games, which was stored in Olympia in the temple of Hera, the corresponding paragraph was recorded. “On the disk of Ifit is written the text of the truce that the Eleans declare for the duration of the Olympic Games; it is not written in straight lines, but the words go around the disk in the form of a circle ”(Pausanias, Description of Hellas).

From the Olympic Games 776 BC (the earliest Games that have come down to us - according to some experts, the Olympic Games began to be held more than 100 years earlier) the Greeks had a special "Olympic chronology" introduced by the historian Timaeus. Olympic holiday celebrated in the "holy month", starting with the first full moon after the summer solstice. It was to be repeated every 1417 days that made up the Olympiad - the Greek "Olympic" year.

Starting as a competition of local importance, the Olympic Games eventually became an event of a pan-Greek scale. Many people came to the Games not only from Greece itself, but also from its colonial cities from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea.

The games continued even when Hellas fell under the control of Rome (in the middle of the 2nd century BC), as a result of which one of the fundamental Olympic principles, which allowed only Greek citizens to participate in the Olympic Games, and even some Roman emperors were among the winners (including Nero, who “won” chariot races drawn by ten horses). It affected the Olympic Games and began in the 4th century BC. the general decline of Greek culture: they gradually lost their former meaning and essence, turning from sports competition and a significant social event into a purely recreational event, which was attended mainly by professional athletes.

And in 394 AD. The Olympic Games were banned - as a "remnant of paganism" - by the Roman emperor Theodosius I, who forcibly propagated Christianity.

Olympia.

It is located in the northwestern part of the Peloponnesian Peninsula. Here was Altis (Altis) - the legendary sacred grove of Zeus and the temple and cult complex, finally formed around the 6th century BC. BC. On the territory of the sanctuary there were religious buildings, monuments, sports facilities and houses where athletes and guests lived during the competition. The Olympic sanctuary remained the center of Greek art until the 4th century BC. BC.

Shortly after the ban on the Olympic Games, all these structures were burned by order of Emperor Theodosius II (in 426 AD), and a century later they were finally destroyed and buried by strong earthquakes and river floods.

As a result of those held in Olympia at the end of the 19th century. archaeological excavations managed to find the ruins of some buildings, including sports purpose such as the palestra, the gymnasium and the stadium. Built in the 3rd c. BC. palestra - a platform surrounded by a portico where wrestlers, boxers and jumpers trained. Gymnasium, built in the 3rd-2nd centuries. BC, - the largest building in Olympia, it was used for training sprinters. The gymnasium also kept a list of winners and a list of the Olympics, there were statues of athletes. The stadium (212.5 m long and 28.5 m wide) with stands and seats for judges was built in 330–320 BC. It could accommodate about 45,000 spectators.

Organization of the Games.

All free-born Greek citizens (according to some sources, men who could speak Greek) were allowed to participate in the Olympic Games. Slaves and barbarians, i.e. persons of non-Greek origin could not participate in the Olympic Games. “When Alexander wished to take part in the competition and for this he arrived in Olympia, the Hellenes, the participants in the competition, demanded his exclusion. These contests, they said, were for the Hellenes, not for the barbarians. Alexander, on the other hand, proved that he was an Argive, and the judges recognized his Hellenic origin. He took part in the running competition and reached the goal at the same time as the winner” (Herodotus. Story).

The organization of the ancient Olympic Games included control not only over the course of the Games themselves, but also over the preparation of athletes for them. Control was exercised by the Hellanodics, or Hellanodics, the most authoritative citizens. For 10-12 months before the start of the Games, the athletes underwent intensive training, after which they passed a kind of examination by the Hellanodic commission. After fulfilling the "Olympic standard", the future participants of the Olympic Games prepared for another month according to special program- already under the leadership of the Hellanodics.

The fundamental principle of the competition was the honesty of the participants. Before the start of the competition, they swore an oath to abide by the rules. The Hellanodics had the right to deprive the champion of the title if he won by fraudulent means, the offending athlete was also subject to a fine and corporal punishment. In front of the entrance to the stadium in Olympia, there were zanas as an edification to the participants - copper statues of Zeus, cast with money received in the form of fines from athletes who violated the rules of the competition (the ancient Greek writer Pausanias indicates that the first six such statues were erected in the 98th Olympiad, when Evpolus the Thessalian bribed three wrestlers who fought with him). In addition, persons convicted of a crime or sacrilege were not allowed to participate in the Games.

Entry to the competition was free. But only men could visit them, women, under pain of death, were forbidden to appear in Olympia during the entire festival (according to some sources, this ban only applied to married women). An exception was made only for the priestess of the goddess Demeter: for her in the stadium, in the most honorable place, a special marble throne was built.

Program of the Ancient Olympic Games.

At first, there was only a stadium in the program of the Olympic Games - running for one stage (192.27 m), then the number of Olympic disciplines increased. Let's note some cardinal changes in the program:

- at the 14 Olympic Games (724 BC), the program included diaulos - a run for the 2nd stage, and 4 years later - a dolichodrome (run for endurance), the distance of which ranged from 7 to 24 stages;

- at the 18 Olympic Games (708 BC), wrestling and pentathlon (pentathlon) competitions were held for the first time, which included, in addition to wrestling and the stadium, jumping, as well as javelin and discus throwing;

- at the 23 Olympic Games (688 BC), fisticuffs were included in the competition program,

- at the 25th Olympic Games (680 BC), chariot races were added (drawn by four adult horses, over time this type of program expanded, in the 5th–4th centuries BC, chariot races pulled by a pair of adult horses began to be held , young horses or mules);

- at the 33rd Olympic Games (648 BC), horse racing appeared in the program of the Games (in the middle of the 3rd century BC horse racing began to be held) and pankration - martial arts that combined elements of wrestling and fisticuffs with minimal restrictions on "forbidden tricks" and in many ways reminiscent of modern fights no rules.

Greek gods and mythological heroes are involved in the emergence of not only the Olympic Games as a whole, but also their individual disciplines. For example, it was believed that Hercules himself introduced the run for one stage, personally measuring this distance in Olympia (1 stage was equal to the length of 600 feet of the priest of Zeus), and pankration goes back to the legendary fight between Theseus and the Minotaur.

Some of the disciplines of the ancient Olympic Games, familiar to us from modern competitions, differ markedly from their current counterparts. Greek athletes did not long jump from a run, but from a place - moreover, with stones (later with dumbbells) in their hands. At the end of the jump, the athlete threw the stones sharply back: it was believed that this allows him to jump further. This jumping technique required good coordination. Javelin and discus throwing (over time, instead of a stone one, athletes began to throw an iron disc) was carried out from a small elevation. At the same time, the spear was thrown not for distance, but for accuracy: the athlete had to hit a special target. In wrestling and boxing there was no division of participants according to weight categories, and the boxing match continued until one of the opponents recognized himself defeated or was unable to continue the fight. There were also very peculiar varieties of running disciplines: running in full armor (i.e., in a helmet, with a shield and weapons), running of heralds and trumpeters, alternating running and chariot racing.

From the 37th Games (632 BC), young men under the age of 20 began to participate in competitions. At first, competitions in this age category included only running and wrestling, over time, pentathlon, fisticuffs and pankration were added to them.

In addition to athletic competitions, an art competition was also held at the Olympic Games, which has become an official part of the program since the 84th Games (444 BC).

Initially, the Olympic Games took one day, then (with the expansion of the program) - five days (this is how long the Games lasted during their heyday in the 6th-4th centuries BC) and, in the end, "stretched out" for a whole month.

Olympionics.

The winner of the Olympic Games received universal recognition along with an olive wreath (this tradition went from 752 BC) and purple ribbons. He became one of the most respected people in his city (for the inhabitants of which the victory of a fellow countryman at the Olympics was also a great honor), he was often released from state duties and given other privileges. Olympionics were given posthumous honors in their homeland. And according to the introduction in the 6th c. BC. In practice, the three-time winner of the Games could put his statue in Altis.

The first Olympian known to us was Koreb from Elis, who won the race for one stadia in 776 BC.

The most famous - and the only athlete in the history of the ancient Olympic Games who won 6 Olympiads - was "the strongest among the strong", the wrestler Milo from Croton. A native of the Greek city-colony of Croton (south of modern Italy) and, according to some sources, a student of Pythagoras, he won his first victory at the 60th Olympiad (540 BC) in competitions among young men. From 532 BC by 516 BC he won 5 more Olympic titles - already among adult athletes. In 512 BC Milon, who was already over 40 years old, tried to win his seventh title, but lost to a younger opponent. Olympionic Milo was also a repeated winner of the Pythian, Isthmian, Nemean Games and many local competitions. Mentions of him can be found in the works of Pausanias, Cicero and other authors.

Another outstanding athlete - Leonidas from Rhodes - at four Olympiads in a row (164 BC - 152 BC) won in three "running" disciplines: in running for one and two stages, as well as in running with weapons.

Astil from Croton entered the history of the ancient Olympic Games not only as one of the champions in the number of victories (6 - in the race for one and two stages at the Games from 488 BC to 480 BC). If at his first Olympics Astil played for Croton, then at the next two - for Syracuse. Former countrymen took revenge on him for betrayal: the statue of the champion in Croton was demolished, and his former house was turned into a prison.

In the history of the ancient Greek Olympic Games, there are entire Olympic dynasties. Thus, the grandfather of the fisticuff champion Poseidor from Rhodes, Diagoras, as well as his uncles Akusilai and Damaget, were also Olympionists. Diagoras, whose exceptional steadfastness and honesty in boxing matches won him great respect from the audience and were sung in the odes of Pindar, witnessed his sons' Olympic victories in boxing and pankration, respectively. (According to legend, when the grateful sons put their champion wreaths on their father’s head and lifted him on their shoulders, one of the applauding spectators exclaimed: “Die, Diagoras, die! Die, because you have nothing more to wish from life!” And the excited Diagoras died immediately in the arms of his sons.)

Many olympians were distinguished by exceptional physical data. For example, the champion in the race for two stages (404 BC) Lasfen of Thebea is credited with winning an unusual horse race, and Aegeus of Argos, who won the race on long distances(328 BC), after that, running, without making a single stop along the way, he covered the distance from Olympia to his hometown in order to quickly bring good news to his fellow countrymen. Victories were also achieved due to a kind of technique. So, the extremely hardy and agile boxer Melancom from Caria, the winner of the Olympic Games of 49 AD, during the fight constantly kept his arms outstretched forward, due to which he avoided the opponent’s blows, and at the same time he himself very rarely struck back, - in in the end, the physically and emotionally exhausted opponent admitted defeat. And about the winner of the Olympic Games 460 BC. in the dolichodrome of Ladas of Argos, it was said that he ran so lightly that he did not even leave footprints on the ground.

Among the participants and winners of the Olympic Games were such famous scientists and thinkers as Demosthenes, Democritus, Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, Pythagoras, Hippocrates. And they competed not only in the fine arts. For example, Pythagoras was a champion in fisticuffs, and Plato was in pankration.

Maria Ischenko

It was founded in 1896. From the very beginning, the games were held both in the summer and in the winter of the same year. How the modern Olympic Games are held, we will consider in this article.

Already in the twentieth century, the gap between winter and summer games amounted to two years. used to take place in Olympia and were of great importance to the locals. Previously, there was only one competition in the games - running on short distance. A little later they began to hold competitions for horses and running in full uniform. Only local residents and Mediterranean guests could take part in the games. We all know perfectly well how the modern Olympic Games are held today: athletes from all over the world take part in the competitions.

The Games of the Olympiad are held each time in a new place. A certain country, city is selected and all athletes go to the competitions there. There are cases when competitions are held repeatedly in certain countries, for example in Greece. Since it was in Greece that such competitions originated, through certain period The Olympics are being held there. Athens is fabulous, so the locals have been holding the Olympic Games with pride and dignity since 1896 (it was here that the first competitions were held).

How the modern Olympic Games are held is known to all viewers, but they should know one thing - the current version is very different from the previous one. Today, the most exciting and largest in the world are the Olympic Games. Programs are constantly changing, improving and mainly consist of twenty or more various kinds sports. As a rule, personal records and achievements are set at competitions. Very rarely the potential of a certain team is assessed, mostly every man for himself. Games are evaluated by three medals: gold, silver and bronze.

As for the comparative characteristics of the games, earlier only Greeks and Mediterranean guests took part, and now all well-established athletes from all over the world took part. Today, women compete on an equal footing with men and have the right to fight for in Greece, but this was simply impossible. At the Olympic Games, athletes compete for awards, the honor of their country, showing their physical ability, and in ancient times were awarded even for spiritual opportunities. Today it is considered a competition, in the past it was not. When the games were held in Olympia, all hostilities ceased, all the time was devoted to competitions. As before, the games are held every four years, but the break between summer and winter games is two years.

How the modern Olympic Games are held, everyone has the opportunity to watch on TV, read about the results in the newspaper. To visit the country that holds them is the dream of every sports fan. We were more fortunate, because in Greece almost everyone knew about the games, but only a few could get there, but now the doors of the Olympic Games are open to all interested spectators!

If so, you might be very interested to know. impressive details of the origin of the Olympic races. The history of the Olympic Games is exciting and full of surprises. So, let's dive into the unknown distances of the world Olympiads?

How it all began

The famous Olympic Games in honor of Olympian Zeus originated in ancient Greece and have been held since 776 BC. e. every 4 years in the city of Olympia. Sports competitions were such a tremendous success and great importance for society that at the time of the OlympicOuchraces stopped wars and established ekekhiriya - a sacred truce.

People came from everywhere to look at the competitions in Olympia: some traveled on foot, some on horseback, and some even sailed ships to distant lands, just to have at least one eye on the majestic Greek athletes. Entire tent settlements grew up around the city. To watch the athletes, spectators completely filled the hillsides around the Alfei river valley.

After the solemn victory and the awarding ceremony (presenting a wreath of sacred olive and palm branches), the Olympionist lived in clover. Holidays were held in his honor, hymns were sung, statues were made, in Athens the winner was exempted from taxes and burdensome public duties. And the winner was always left the best place in the theater. In some places, even the children of an Olympian enjoyed special privileges.

Interesting, that women were not allowed to compete in the Olympics under pain of death.

Brave Hellenes competed in running, fisticuffs (which Pythagoras once won), jumping, javelin throwing, and so on. The most dangerous, however, were the chariot races. You will not believe it, but the owner of the horses was considered the winner of the equestrian competition, and not the poor driver who risked his life for the sake of winning.

There are many legends associated with the Olympic Games. One of them says that Zeus himself allegedly organized the first competition in honor of the victory over his father. True or not, but in literature it was Homer who first mentioned the Olympic Games of Ancient Greece in the poem The Iliad.

Archaeological excavations show that in Olympia, 5 rectangular or horseshoe-shaped stadiums with stands for fans were built specifically for the competition.

Unfortunately, nothing is known about the time of the champions at the moment. It was enough to be the first to reach the finish line to get the right to light the sacred fire. But the legends tell us about the Olympians who ran faster than hares, and what is the talent of the Spartan Ladas, who did not leave footprints in the sand while running.

Modern Olympic Games

The modern international sporting events known as the Summer Olympics have been held every four years since 1896. Initiated by the French baron Pierre de Coubertin. He believed that it was precisely insufficient physical fitness that prevented French soldiers from winning the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871. The youth should measure their strength on the sports grounds, not on the battlefields, the activist argued.

The first Olympic Games were held in Athens. To organize the competition created International Olympic Committee, whose first president was Demetrius Vikelas of Greece.

Since that time, the World Olympiad has become a good tradition. Against the backdrop of impressive excavations and archaeological finds, the idea of ​​Olympism spread throughout Europe. Increasingly, European states organized their own sports competitions, which were watched by the whole world.

What about winter sports?

To fill a gap in winter sports competitions that were technically impossible to host in the summer, Since January 25, 1924, the Winter Olympic Games have been held. The first were organized in a French city Chamonix. Except figure skating and hockey, athletes competed in speed skating, ski jumping, etc.

293 athletes, including 13 women, from 16 countries of the world expressed their desire to compete for the championship in competitions. Ch. Juthrow from the USA (speed skating) became the first Olympic champion of the Winter Games, but in the end the teams of Finland and Norway turned out to be the leaders of the competition. The races lasted 11 days and ended on February 4th.

Attributes of the Olympic Games

Now a symbol and emblem The Olympic Games have five rings intertwined, which symbolize the unification of the five continents.

Olympic motto, proposed by the Catholic monk Henri Didon: "Faster, higher, stronger."

At the opening ceremony of each Olympiad, they raise flag- white cloth with the emblem (Olympic rings). Burning throughout the Olympiad Olympic fire, which is brought to the venue each time from Olympia.

Since 1968, each Olympiad has its own.

The 2016 Olympic Games will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where the Ukrainian team will present their champions to the world. By the way, the first Olympic champion figure skater became an independent Ukraine Oksana Baiul.

The opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games are always a spectacular sight, which once again emphasizes the prestige and planetary importance of these world competitions.