Week #4 Daily #1

Question: Please read http://ow.ly/156BA and write a blog post comparing the Ancient Greek Olympics to the Games this coming weekend!


Response: London, England 2012: Ever since 776 B.C., the Olymipc games have been a big tradition.  They first originated in Greece but became a worldwide event where the best athletes everywhere come to participate.  The games were meant to honor the god, Zeus.  Some the original events were sprinting, wrestling, boxing, and chariot racing.  The foot races included the 192 meter sprint, the diaulos, and the 12 lap race called the dolichos.  Theses races were so important because they reflected the requirements of a "fit soldier."  Now, modern and the traditional sport of sprinting are all incorporated into the games.  A big change that occurred over the years was that fact that women are now allowed to compete and spectate at the games.  In ancient Greece, women were forbidden to attend.  Instead, the women held their own games in honor of the goddess, Hera, who also happened to be Zeus's wife. In tomorrows upcoming games, both men and women will be competing in the games and London is eager to see who will be the fastest man and woman in the world.  In ancient Greece, religion was a big deal during the games.  Zeus was said to look down on the players during the competitions.  Many sacrifices were made to the Zeus like the burning of 100 oxen.  Nowadays, you will see many athletes pray before their event.  Politics have always been an issue since the games have started, but the games have only been cancelled a few times.  Throughout the wars and changing events that startled the world, the games have been a way to bring all the countries together.