Well, I'll start with Rome because I didn't know that gladiators fought until death and I was a little surprised. Gladiators were prisoners of wars, slaves and criminals. They participated in the games to regain their freedom that was once taken away from them. They were also known as "elite killers." Wow. However, although these men were slaves, criminals and prisoners-- they were used for entertainment and even admired by their audiences. Their games were nothing like the ancient games of Greece. These men literally fought to their death. On the other hand, the games of ancient Greece were much more like the sports athletes participate in today.
The Olympic games of ancient Greece started around the time Jesus was born to put the time period into perspective. This was the "Ultimate Athletic Event." The athletes who participated in these games were very different than those who fought in Rome. These athletes were "free born" Greeks, They symbolized masculinity, beauty, grace and pride. They played naked because their bodies were glorified and "perfect." Religion played a role in the Olympic games as well. The athletes evoked perfection of the Gods. Those who earned the championship title were favored by the Gods. In a sense the games were a form of entertainment for all the men and Zeus's sister. Champions swere rewarded with money, sponsors, glory and pride. There were over 12+ events in the Olympic games. Some of the events mentioned were sprinting, discus, triple jump, wrestling, boxing etc. The events tested their speed, strength and skill.
References:
youtube: ancient Rome
youtube: ancient Greece
Sport in ancient Rome took me by surprise, too! I found the comparison of the sporting participants in Greece and Rome to be so interesting. Greek citizens partook in sport to please the gods and entertain, while in Rome, the slaves and prisoners of war were admired as gladiators. The difference in sport and the development overtime is shocking.
ReplyDeleteGabriella Porreco