World History: Journey Across Time

Chapter 4: The Ancient Greeks

Web Activity Lesson Plans

Introduction
Students have read about the ancient Greeks. In this activity they will learn about the ancient Olympics.

Destination Title The Real Story of the Ancient Olympic Games

Lesson Description
Students will use information from the University of Pennsylvania Museum site to learn about the ancient Olympics. They will explore the site to learn interesting facts about the ancient Olympics. Students will then answer five questions and apply this information by creating a sports segment for a national news network that compares and contrasts the ancient Olympics to the modern Games.

Instructional Objectives

1. Students will describe the events and customs of the ancient Olympics.
2. Students will be able to use this knowledge to create a sports segment for a national cable sports network.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. According to literary traditions, the only event featured in the first 13 Olympics was called the stadion race. This was a foot race that was 600-feet long.
2. Although the ancient Olympics featured a separate festival for girls, the modern Olympics include women's events. New women's events include softball, water polo, pole vaulting, trampoline, synchronized diving, and hammer throwers.
3. The Olympic Truce was instituted to protect against military incursions which interrupted the Games.
4. Modern professional athletes have gained celebrity status in America. Athletes sign major endorsements and become very wealthy. Much like their modern counterparts, ancient Olympic athletes enjoyed a celebrity status, were assured "great wealth" and were even allowed to eat for free in the City Hall every day for the rest of their lives.
5. Answers will vary.