Greece: Ancient History in a minute
Dating back to as far as 3 000 BC Greece's history is a fascinating mix of civilizations: first the powerful Cycladic, then the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations. Powerful city-states such as Athens and Sparta emerged from 800BC to 500BC, known as the 'classical age' and highlight of Greek civilization. The first Olympic Games are thought to date back as far as 900BC, while the first recorded evidence of the event is set at 776BC.

Crucial figureheads in Greek history include Pericles who led Athens to prosperity and is responsible for building the Parthenon, Democritus, who taught the ideology now known as democracy and Sophocles who promoted the concept of logic.

Judges and Gentlemen
Judges were all from Elis, the local Olympia area. There were ten judges and although they were from one area only, their countrymen were allowed to participate in the games too. Eleans had such a reputation for fairness and honesty that no one suspected there could be any cheating involved. However at the 192nd games, the Elean Damonicus was said to have bribed the father of his son's opponent, Sosander of Smyrna, in the wrestling category. The umpires fined the fathers and let the sons go unscathed. All fine money was used to create statues of Zeus.

Full house at the Olympia
There's still life at the Olympia today. Unlike many historic Greek sites, Olympia is alive with greenery and flourishing. Trees still cover the great Sanctuary of Zeus, otherwise known as the Altis where the games once took place as a part of a religious festival honouring Zeus. For over a thousand years, up to 40,000 countrymen assembled to watch the games. The winner was crowned with a plain wreath of wild olive leaves from the Altis, and was entitled to a statue representing him at the Olympia.

Olive groove
Olive oil isn't a new fangled trend. Aside from making wreaths to crown their heroes, the Greeks used their olive trees to supply them with all kinds of useful good: from olive oil for consumption, to bathing oil, and as the base for perfumes. No one believed the miraculous olive trees had happened per chance. In fact, legend has it that local hero Herakles (aka Hercules) brought the olive tree to Greece from his travels.

Early Olympic sports
The ancient Olympics differed from today's Games. With fewer events open to Greek speaking men only. Winning an event however, did bring glory on the victor and his town. The following events took place: boxing, equestrian events including chariot racing, pankration, pentathlon, discus, javelin, long jump, running and wrestling.

Did you know?

A chariot race distance was 12 laps of the stadium or 9miles.

Married women were banned from attending the games under penalty of death.

Pankration (boxing and wrestling) allowed kicks to the stomach.

Breaking your opponents fingers during a wrestling match was fair game.

One of the most legendary athletes to compete was Milo of Kroton who wore the olive crown six times.