Olympia Greece is the birthplace of our modern olympic games and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Touring the site is an incredible experience.
Only males could compete in the Ancient Greek Olympics. They slathered each other with olive oil and competed naked. My husband thought my last post was a tad boring, so I decided to ramp things up a tick with some factoids I learned from our Greek historian as we toured Olympia.
Continuing with her narrative, the historian explained that married women were not allowed to attend the games, and if they snuck in, they could be put to death by being thrown off Mount Typaeon. (I don’t know if this ever actually happened.) However, young, “maiden” females were allowed in to “observe”, and prostitutes could, and did attend, apparently doing more business during these olympic days than they typically did all year-long.
Some of this I learned on my own afterwards because enquiring minds do want to know, and the historian sort of skidded over some of it.
Travel is very educational.
The historian clarified the word gymnasium came from Ancient Greek and means males exercising naked.
Females did apparently have their own sort of more minor, separate sporting event at Olympia, but they wore shifts, and only exposed one breast, imitating the Amazons.
I wonder if they were allowed to throw their husbands off Mt. Typaeon if they snuck in? Or let single, young, males, in to “observe”? What would you guess?
The first olympics were held here in the 8th century BC and the first buildings were constructed in 600 BC. The Temple of Zeus was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and is the oldest known Doric building in the world.
Olympia is extensive and takes a full day just to walk. There are twelve houses of treasure, a hippodrome, a stadium, the Paelastra or wrestling school, the Phillippieion an Ionic circular memorial, vaulted tunnels and walkways, a gymnasium, a museum full of statuary and relics, and much more. It was spring when we toured, and the Judas Trees and wildflowers were just starting to bloom which made it all even more incredibly beautiful. April is said to be the best month to visit ancient sites in Greece due to the stunning spring flowers.
In case you want to check out the historian’s factoids (I did), please see:
http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/Olympics/faq5.html
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/08/0809_040809_nakedolympics_2.html
http://www.ancient.eu/Gymnasium/
We are home now, so it’s cheers to you from The Holler~
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Love your work, as always, Cindy.
Ahhh, very kind of you Mitch. Thank you~
Gorgeous photos of millennia gone by! The Ancient Greeks all but “invented” leisure! I share some of this info in my university classes when we go over the history of leisure and recreation. I’m surprised the guide didn’t tell you that slaves often competed for the male citizens, so they could continue to sit around and contemplate the philosophies of life 😉
She did mention that statues were made of wealthy people that they commissioned like portraits, with standardized bodies, and only the heads customized. Only the truly rich got custom body and head statues. We have been to Greece several times now and the factoids keep getting more and more, errrr personal, and interesting.
How cool, I can’t wait to go there someday 😊
I just shared this in a reply w. Tina Frisco and thought you would be interested:
About 30 years ago I took my mother’s Women in History Class (part of her Western Civ series) where I learned all about these amazing women of Ancient Greece, Sappho the poet, the philosopher Arete, the physician Agnodice, the leaders Aphasia & Gorgo. And the religion with female gods like Athena, Demeter, Persephone, Hera and Aphrodite, fascinated me when I was young. The Temple of Athena in Athens is for me the powerful symbol of the power of women I have ever seen.
Oh how interesting!! I will have to look into this further. I took Latin for two years in high school and learned a lot about Greek and Roman myths and history. Thanks for sharing, Cindy. Did you know Tina lives in the Bay area? Yay, California bloggers 😀
I did not know Tina lived there. We should seriously consider a California Bloggers get together!
I doubt women were allowed to throw their husbands off Mt. Typaeon; and young males were probably allowed to do whatever they wanted! But for us women, there is always the Amazons ~ Scythians who lived in the areas north and east of the Mediterranean on the vast steppes of Eurasia. Scythian women fought, hunted, rode horses, used bows and arrows. There is now archaeological evidence that Amazons did exist. As I scrolled through your gorgeous photos, Cindy, I had visions of Amazons competing in Olympic games and daring any man to stop them. They were, after all, fierce warriors 🙂 💕
Yes, I agree with you and I love the stories of The Amazons!
About 30 years ago I took my mother’s Women in History Class (part of her Western Civ series) where I learned all about these amazing women of Ancient Greece, Sappho the poet, the philosopher Arete, the physician Agnodice, the leaders Aphasia & Gorgo. And the religion with female gods like Athena, Demeter, Persephone, Hera and Aphrodite, fascinated me when I was young. The Temple of Athena in Athens is for me the powerful symbol of the power of women I have ever seen.
How wonderful that you had the opportunity to visit it, Cindy. Greece and the Greek Isles have always topped my travel bucket list. I hope to scratch them off someday ♥
I hope you do! They have the double benefit of an ancient civilization and glorious islands and beaches.
What a fascinating place to visit (and thanks for the entertaining facts too, Cindy).
The last image surely shows the loveliest Spring flowers to enhance the visit.
They were just starting and were so lovely. I imagine, in another week, they would have been at peak bloom, which would have been heavenly.
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Ever wondered about the origins of the word gymnasium (it means men exercising naked).. that puts a whole new spin class on it.. there are many more interesting facts that emerge along with the usual stunning photographs by Cindy Knoke and I do #recommend a stroll through the spring flowers and ruins of Olympia…
It explains why there were those compulsory forced group showers in middle and high school, I guess……. Hugs to you dear Sally & thank you too! <3
Thanks for all the factoids, and the chuckles. And the gorgeous photos.
Alison xo
You are most welcome and hope all is going well with you two! <3
http://www.theoi.com/image/Z2.11Poseidon.jpg
The ugly horse on the right reminds me of our old Fairvoya. 🙂 🙂
Gorgeous! I love those mosaics!
There is better image in a Fresco!
<3
Hello Hello! I’m always excited to see where in the world your are when I find time to visit! Greece! Well now, you are getting an education there, LOL! Naked exercise? Sounds like a spectator sport to me..snicker. They could try and throw me off a mountain but they’d have to catch me first LOL. It’s really stunning on your spring visit. Fascinating how ancient the ruins are! Enjoy your travels my dear!
You would have Ancient Greece city father’s in a major dither, no doubt about it. Where’s you time machine? Let’s go! I can take pics of you chasing them around Mt. Typaeon! Wonderful to hear from you and take good care! <3 😉
Loved the photos and the factoids, Cindy. The spring vistas amid the ruins are stunning.
Thanks my friend. It is hard to beat spring flowers in Ancient Greek ruins!
Amazing photos. Interesting facts. Don’t ask me why, but I kept thinking “Beware of Greeks bearing gifts!” LOL!
Laughing!!! It gives it a whole new meaning doesn’t it! 😉 😉
#bucketlist
You will be glad you added it!
I have seen photos of the area before but never realized until now what a beautiful setting it is. Thanks.
Very pleased you enjoyed & thanks for letting me know!
Such gorgeous photographs of this magical place.. and the Judas Trees in bloom too. I envy you Cindy!
Oh, don’t waste your breath envying me, if you would like to go to Greece. I hope you do!
Love your work, as always, Cindy.
So kind of you & most appreciated too!
Glorious post,superb photo-series from Ancient Olympia,dear Cindy!We visit the place quite often as our seaside house is in Peloponnese and not far from this region.Excellent work,the Ministry of Culture & Tourism should employ you to write articles for them … Sending love & respect your you ~ Thank you :-)))
Thank you for such a kind commentary. I truly wish Greece’s ministry of tourism would employ me to take photos because it would more time in gorgeous Greece! You are fortunate to live in such a scenic and culturally rich area. <3 <3
It would be just fine!Your top quality photos and your presentation enhance the beauty of each place!Why thank you for your laudatory reply,dear Cindy!Greece is a small country,but with rich historic heritage and natural beauty 🙂 <3<3<3
Greece is absolutely amazing!
You’re right about travel being educational. I’ve learned way more about history and the world through travel than I ever did in school.
History, the world, culture, food, religion people, nature; travel exposes you to it all and occupies all your senses. Obviously we both agree on this which is why we understand each other! <3
Fascinating! Thanks for taking me to a spot in Greece that I have missed! Even seeing your great pictures imagination starts to run wild about the life that was going on here 🙂
It is inevitable and wonderful, that as you see their cities, you imagine their lives. <3
Enjoyed the photos and the factoids… didn’t make it there on my visit to Greece… but now I don’t have to!
Virtual travel has many rewards. I do it all the time thanks to my fellow bloggers!
Thanks for the beautiful photos and the brief history. 🙂 xx
You are most welcome & Happy Sunday!
Thank you. Happy week to you. 🙂 x
<3
Cindy, I was enchanted by the beautiful flowering trees with those gorgeous columns. I have to admit you added some great, fascinating personal details and I admire your enquiring mind! Also, I admire the composition and your photography! xo 💖💐
You are a thoughtful person Robin. <3 Thank you & cheers to you~
Ancient ruins are so romantic in their vines and flowering trees in the spring! I’m so glad you captured this at a perfect time of year. Cheers to you, dear! 💖💮
<3
You deserve a medal for your concise commentary and amazing photos!
♡☆*.+:｡人人人人 ﾟ.+:｡ヽ(´∀｀)ﾉﾟ.+:｡☆* 人人人人✺♡
Thank you. I prefer this <3 ♡☆*.+:｡人人人人 ﾟ.+:｡ヽ(´∀｀)ﾉﾟ.+:｡☆* 人人人人✺♡ <3 to any medal though! <3
Fascinating structures, architecturally and culturally. I heard some years ago that at one of the Winter Olympic events, the organized had 50,000 condoms stocked and ready for use. I did not find out whether the supply was sufficient or they had extras after the games ended. Guess one might use sex for celebration of a victory, to sooth the wounds of defeat, or just to “have a good time of it”. Or, did that thing about getting to “second base” only have to do with baseball?
Oscar
Cracking up. I would have thought they might be a tad tired after all that exercise!!! 😉 😉
Different muscle groups.
Hilarious!!!
Nicely informative and appealing to see. Knowing what gymnasium means is now my excuse for not going. Yay 😀
Exactly my thoughts about all the times I ditched gym class in high school! 😉
Enjoyed…👍👍👍
Very pleased & thank you for letting me know!
Bonjour ou Bonsoir CINDY belle est notre histoire
La plus belle des choses que tu possèdes
Sait ce nouveau jour
Alors sois heureux ou heureuse
Aujourd’hui il est à toi
Décide toi même de ce que tu veux faire
Travail ou loisir
Ce jour vis le , emplie le , chante lui ton bonheur
Dis à ce jour que tu l’aimes et profite d’être là Pour Ce Jour
Gros bisous Bernard
https://img4.hostingpics.net/pics/155602couple.jpg
Merci beaucoup mon ami Bernard!
How wonderful you had the spring flowers there! When I went years ago it was the height of summer and it could get quite crispy! Looks like your are having a fabulous trip.
I have only been to Greece in the spring and I can well imagine it is toasty in the summer, but the ocean would be most refreshing!
It was extremely toasty! I actually reacted to the sun.
Oooh, yes, that it not good!
Visiting the islands in the summers, we learned how flat and desert-like the sea can be, but usually the rocky coasts with their protected inlets and occasional surrounding trees are quite restorative: clear water, gentle swells, one breath after another of pure air. More an an escape, an arrival.
Sounds divine!
Wonderfully interesting post (as usual). Enjoyed the pics and the narrative. As a side bar, don’t you think television ratings would increase if modern Olympians slathered each other with olive oil and competed naked? Not sure how the male only thing would fly these days, though. 🙂
Laughing……maybe it was a ratings ploy in Ancient Greece!!!!
Very interesting, Cindy. Some lovely photographs too.
Thank you, Cindy. 🙂
Thank you, Cindy.
<3
Well… definitely not boring, Cindy.
Laughing! <3
That last photo is so amazingly beautiful. Love
Awwww, thank you so much my friend~ <3
So informative Cindy– never have seen photos of Olympia– what a great excursion! always love your travel photos… xox
I love traveling with you Rhonda so thank you! <3
Beautiful photos and fascinating factoids, Cindy!
And no, I do not believe that the women’s Olympic events were “separate but equal” at all…
Ahhhh, so pleased you enjoyed and, no, not a snowball’s chance! I don’t believe it either. <3
Beauty old and new and all around!
Yes. We live in a beautiful world! <3
I absolutely love your pictures. I will continue to look at them as I imagine myself on the warm Mediterranean Greece coast.
Jessica | itsamomslife.blog
Thanks much & that is an excellent plan for your mental health!
That is definitely something that I need to do. 🙂 Plus, one day I will be able to see all of the locations that you take such wonderful pictures of.
I love the way you capture the scene, it looks effortless yet suave and it’s all about interesting locations.😊❤
How nice of you and, we hold each other in mutual admiration because I am most impressed with your creativity.
Thank you!😊❤
<3
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Vielen dank!
The pictures capture and show a very magical place! Thanks for bringing this place closer!
Thank you for appreciating and for commenting! Cheers to you~
It is one of my dreams to see Greece one day. You took beautiful photos!
Thank you very much and I do so hope you realize your dream! <3
Thank you, Cindy. 🙂
Thank you more. <3
Bonjour ou Bonsoir CINDY super beau ton blog
Un petit passage par chez toi est une joie , un vrai régal même
Cela pour me dire que je vais bien
Quand je vole de blogs en blogs
J’en oublie mes soucis , c’est une vrai promenade
Mais avant de partir prochainement en vacances
Des vacances s’ils ont veux bien
Je tenais à te saluer te souhaiter
Tout ce qu’il y a de meilleurs pour toi ,profite bien
De même pour ta petite famille
Bisous Bernard à BIENTOT
Un peu de fraicheur
https://img4.hostingpics.net/pics/763754fontaine.gif
Merci beaucoup mon ami Bernard! 🌷🌷
Reblogged this on History… Sands of Time.
Hi Cindy,
I love your pictures. Nice work!!!!! 🙂
Can I use some of them in a brochure and in my website? Is that possible?
Absolutely, if you just indicate in small print somewhere on the brochure, “photos cindy knoke”. I am honored and thank you for asking.