Human Heritage: A World History

"More Than Just a Game"

Introduction
As you read in this chapter, the ancient Greeks used athletics as a source of national pride. For nearly 12 centuries, the ancient Games were held in Olympia, Greece, and over time the cultures that participated took the games more and more seriously. Today, the Olympic Games are lucrative to the winning athletes and the countries that host the Games. To understand how important the Games were to the ancient Greeks and how closely their attitudes mirror those of today, visit The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology Web site.

Destination Title: University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

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Directions
Start at The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology Web site.

• Scroll down and click on "SiteMap."
• Under the "Exhibits" topic, click on "The Real Story of the Ancient Olympic Games."
• Browse through the site, taking notes as you go.
• Answer the following questions.

1			What were some of the prizes awarded to the winning ancient Greek athletes? Why weren't the ancient Greeks concerned with the question of "professional" athletes competing in the Games?
2			In what other ways were ancient Greek athletes honored after their victories?
3			Who participated in the footraces during the Hera festivals?
4			How did politics influence the early Games?
5			On a separate sheet of paper, write three paragraphs about whether you believe today's athletes have as much to lose in the games as the ancient Olympians. What do today's athletes sacrifice if they do not win? What did losing mean to the ancient Greek athletes? Are today's athletes under greater or lesser stress than the ancient Greeks were to win for their nation?