Ancient Olympics
             The Olympic ceremonies today are very different from the ceremonies held thousands of years ago. Unlike having multiple locations in different parts of the world, the ancient Olympics were held in Olympia Greece in a dedicated area of its own, to prevent jealousy rising up in other city states as a result of having the ceremonies in one or another city-state. Another thing done to prevent conflict at this highly religious ceremony was to declare a period of ceases fire and peace during the ceremonies. Some people believe that the Olympics first started out as a memorial service for those who had died in that Olympiad – a measure of four years. A discus that was found had the laws to govern the games inscribed in it. The discus was a symbol of mighty muscles, and the one man who could throw it the farthest was considered the best athlete in the land. There were probably many rules for the Olympics, but the athletes and judges respected and feared the gods so much that they would not even think of breaking them. The one rule that was stressed more than any other was the rule that forbade women. Women were not allowed to compete or view the ceremonies, and if they were caught doing so, they would be beheaded after the ceremonies. There were also rules as to who could compete in the Olympic Games. To be allowed to participate in the Olympic Games was considered the highest honor that could be given. To compete, you had to free, male, Greek, Upper classman, and have a clean reputation. The Olympics started out with only a few athletic events, but as time went on, more and more events were added. Some of the first athletic events were the one stade foot race (one stade is the length of the Olympic stadium) and the discus throw. Later on, more events like jumping, wrestling, and pugilism were added. Around the 14th Olympiad a double stade race was added, and in the 18th Olym...