Sports in the Ancient World

During Ancient Greece the types of sports played during the Olympics where similar yet different to todays Olympics. Originally the Olympics only consisted of one event, which was a 200 meter sprint. However, over time more and more sports where introduced to the games and continued to develop over time.  The structure of the Olympics during Ancient Greece was far different than today, only men where allowed to compete and they competed naked. The rules also are far different from today, for example if a sprinter where to false start they would be whipped in front of the crowd which was considered to be extremely embarrassing. The role of sports during this era is surprisingly similar to todays society. Athletes during the Ancient Greece era where also considered to be professionals and extremely skilled individuals. Religion also played an important role during this era as the topic was much more commonly spoken about compared to today. The participants was the most surprising thing to me about these movies regarding who was eliedgble to compete. Anyone who was born a greek who was also a free man was eligible to compete no matter what there previous background was. Overall, this film was insightful regarding the types of men who competed in these events as well as the development of the games as a whole.  

During Ancient Rome the most common sport or form of entertainment was Gladiators. The structure of the Gladiator games where one that was very bloody yet extremely intense and entertaining. The overall rules and regulations of these games where to reenact historical battles from the past. The role that Gladiators had during Ancient Rome was a very political and entertaining. Along with being political and entertaining the games where also a major part of history and commonly took place in one of the most historical venues in all of sports, The Coliseum.  The participants in the Gladiator games where slaves. These men where bought by wealthy men who would use there slaves as Gladiators for forums of gambling and entertainment.  However, if a Gladiator where to become famous they could win there freedom and would forever be remembered as heroes to the Ancient Greek people. In the end, the Gladiators had a very historical run during Ancient Rome and are remembered today for being true warriors.