In ancient Greece, Olympic athletes traditionally competed completely ____.
The original Olympic Games, held in Olympia, Greece, from 776 BC to 393 AD, had very different traditions compared to the modern games we know today.
The Practice of Nudity:
- 🏃 Athletes competed naked to show off their physical fitness and to pay tribute to Zeus, the king of the gods
- 🧴 They would cover their bodies in olive oil to protect their skin from the sun and to make their muscles glisten
- 🚫 The word "gymnasium" actually comes from the Greek word "gymnos," which means "naked"
Awards and Recognition:
- 🌿 Winners did not receive gold medals; instead, they were crowned with a wreath made of olive leaves
- 🏆 However, they became heroes in their home cities, often receiving free meals for life and tax exemptions
This tradition emphasized the Greek ideal of physical perfection and athletic prowess.