Monday, July 26, 2004

Gambling, nudity and cheating: The Olympics never changes

Gambling, nudity and cheating: Olympics in 500 B.C.

The first Olympics, some 3000 years ago, were apparantly more debauched and less honourable than previously thought.

The idealism that we have alway held the ancient games during Greek times seems simply to be a fallacy.

The original 5-day event would have athletes consult magicians and fortune tellers for charms and potions (see drugs and steriods today)

There was also allegations of bribery and enticement to swap allegiances.

Sporting heroes were revered and showered with gifts, money and fame.

In a parallel that is eerily like the present, the 4-year event also gave way to a respite from the violence and wars that precipitated ancient Greeks daily life.

It appears, with new archaeological discovery and insight, the games were beset by cheating, scandal, gambling and outsized egos.

A bit like today really.

posted by jo @ 10:31 PM   0 comments

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