Greece: Athletes


Athletes Do you have a P.E. class at school? Greek students also worked on physical education -- for them it was important in training for warfare. Athletics were part of a young male citizen's education. Competing in sports let young men develop a level of personal excellence and skill in their lives as well as developing physical strength. Early athletic competitions in Greece developed as part of funeral ceremonies and religious festivals honoring the gods. Many men participated in these events, but the prize winners were probably a few highly skilled athletes. Competitions included equestrian events (like chariot racing) and track and field. There were musical and dramatic competitions held during these festivals, too.
	This marble head is a fragment of a sculpture of the "Diadoumenos," a victorious athlete tying a victory ribbon (diadem) around his head. You can see the ribbon around his head, but the rest of the figure is lost. The winners in athletic competitons were admired in Greek society, and many were considered heroes, god-like superhumans, whose statues could work miracles. What do we think about our great athletes today? How do we reward them?


Learn more about Greek athletes in the "Gathering Greek Gear game."