The Ancient Olympic Games

The tradition of the Olympic Games leads back into antiquity and spans across the centuries. The Greek poet Pindar claims that the Olympic Games were created by Herakles, the strongman hero of Greek mythology, and that it was in celebration of the success of one of his twelve labors. However, the games actually developed from funeral games that were held to honor the local heroes. The event was held in Olympia, a remote area that was easily accessible from the river Alpheios (Swaddling 7). The Games were a combination of athletic competition and religious celebration in honor of Zeus,…