Question of the Day:
What are the differences and similarities between the ancient Olympics and modern-day Olympics?
Today, we took an amazing day trip to Olympia, where you can still feel the echoes of ancient athletic feats. The original Olympic Games were all about celebrating both body and mind, honoring Zeus, and were deeply tied to religious traditions. After Christianity took over, the Games were banned but eventually revived to promote global peace and unity. We saw how the ancient builders created earthquake-proof temples and stood where the legendary battle between Cronus and Zeus supposedly happened, which is why the Olympics celebrate Zeus. Wandering through the Corons Hills, reading ancient Greek inscriptions, and visiting the Temple of Gaia made us appreciate the ancient Greeks' connection to nature and spirituality. Once we arrived at the ancient stadium, we all did a race on the same track where ancient Olympians once ran. Our tour guide, Vasilis, made wreaths out of olive tree branches that were awarded to the top 3 finishers.
Some fun facts:
The marathon, a sport that started in ancient Greece to honor a hero's run from Marathon, now stands for endurance and democracy. The term "athlete" comes from the Greek word "athlos," meaning contest. Back then, athletes competed not just for glory but also for peace, as the Games would bring a temporary halt to conflicts. This goal of peace is still a major aim of the modern Olympics, making us think about its relevance today. Our visit to Olympia was more than just a history lesson; it was a chance to reflect on the lasting legacy of the Olympics and their mission for global harmony.
Our night ended with a celebration with the locals for some dancing and a talent show.
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