Ancient Greek Olympics, Art, and Mythology: Key Concepts and Figures

What is a hecatomb?

A hecatomb is a large-scale sacrifice to the gods, traditionally involving the slaughter of one hundred animals.

Who were the Hellenodikai?

The Hellenodikai were the judges and officials responsible for overseeing the Olympic Games in ancient Greece.

What was the premier event at the Olympics? What is the modern equivalent?

The premier event at the ancient Olympics was the stadion race, a foot race of about 192 meters. The modern equivalent is the 200-meter sprint.

What 3 calendars did the Athenians use simultaneously?

The Athenians used the lunar calendar, the Attic calendar, and the Olympiad calendar simultaneously.

What are the events in the modern pentathlon vs. the ancient one?

The modern pentathlon includes fencing, swimming, equestrian show jumping, and a combined event of pistol shooting and cross-country running. The ancient pentathlon consisted of running, long jump, discus throw, javelin throw, and wrestling.

What are the two main theories about how the discus event was performed?

One theory suggests that the discus was thrown with a spinning motion, while the other suggests a more straightforward overhand throw.

What is an ankyle and how did it work?

An ankyle is a strap used in the discus throw to help the athlete grip and release the discus effectively.

Where was the so-called Ball-Player Base found? Provide some historical context.

The Ball-Player Base was found in the sanctuary of Olympia and is believed to depict athletes engaged in ball games, reflecting the athletic culture of ancient Greece.

What spolia were built into the Acropolis fortress at Athens after the Persian Wars?

Spolia refers to reused building materials or decorative sculptures from earlier structures, which were incorporated into the Acropolis after the Persian Wars as a symbol of victory.

What are three uses of kouros statues?

Kouros statues were used as grave markers, offerings to the gods, and representations of idealized male youth.

What are two key differences between Greek kouros statues and their Egyptian forebears?

Greek kouros statues are more dynamic and naturalistic in posture, while Egyptian statues are more rigid and stylized. Additionally, kouros figures are often nude, whereas Egyptian statues typically depict figures in clothing.

Why does the Phrasikleia Kore hold an unopened flower bud in her hand?

The unopened flower bud symbolizes the idea of youth and the potential for growth, reflecting the theme of life and beauty in ancient Greek art.

What does poikilia mean?

Poikilia refers to the concept of variety or diversity, often used to describe the richness of artistic expression in ancient Greek culture.

How did one achieve victory in the ancient pale or wrestling? What does triakter mean?

Victory in ancient wrestling was achieved by throwing the opponent to the ground three times. The term triakter refers to a wrestler who has won three falls.

Where is Oxyrhynchus? What important discoveries were made there?

Oxyrhynchus is an ancient city in Egypt known for the discovery of a large number of papyrus texts, including works of literature, philosophy, and administrative documents.

What were boxers' himantes and what purpose did they serve?

Himantes were leather straps worn by boxers on their hands and forearms to protect them during matches and to increase the impact of their punches.

What is the closest modern equivalent of the pankration? What were the only rules in antiquity?

The closest modern equivalent of the pankration is mixed martial arts (MMA). In antiquity, the only rules were that biting and eye-gouging were prohibited.

Briefly summarize Pausanias' story about Theagenes of Thasos and his statue.

Pausanias recounts that Theagenes of Thasos, a renowned athlete, was so celebrated that a statue was erected in his honor, which was said to have miraculous qualities.

What does boustrophedon mean?

Boustrophedon refers to an ancient method of writing where lines of text alternate direction, similar to the way an ox plows a field.

Tell the story of the Spartan woman Kyniska. What unique thing did she achieve?

Kyniska was the first woman to win at the Olympic Games, achieving victory in the chariot racing event, which was a significant accomplishment in a male-dominated sport.

What does chryselephantine mean?

Chryselephantine refers to a type of sculpture made with gold (chryso) and ivory (elephantine), often used for large statues of gods in ancient Greece.

What was the 'black layer' excavated at Olympia? What was in it?

The 'black layer' at Olympia is a stratum of soil containing remnants of burnt offerings and sacrifices, providing insights into the rituals performed at the site.

What is the significance of a tropaion and how is it the origin of our modern 'trophy'?

A tropaion was a monument erected to commemorate a military victory, often featuring the spoils of war. This concept evolved into the modern idea of a trophy awarded for achievement.

Who was Croesus?

Croesus was the last king of Lydia, known for his great wealth and often cited as a symbol of prosperity in ancient literature.

What was Soutsos' poem in which Plato asked: 'Where are your Olympic Games?'

Soutsos' poem reflects on the absence of the Olympic Games in modern times, invoking Plato's lament for the lost glory of ancient Greece.

What is the significance of the Phoinix on the first modern Greek coins?

The Phoinix symbolizes the rebirth of Greek identity and independence, representing the phoenix rising from the ashes of the past.

What was the Megale Idea (Great Idea) during the Greco-Turkish War (1918-1923)?

The Megale Idea was a nationalist concept aimed at expanding Greek territory to include all areas historically inhabited by Greeks, particularly in Asia Minor.

What is Ochi Day?

Ochi Day, celebrated on October 28, commemorates the Greek refusal to allow Axis forces to enter the country during World War II.

What does Laconic mean?

Laconic refers to a style of speaking or writing that is concise and to the point, originating from the Spartans, known for their brevity.

What were the Meetings of the Olympic Class? Who instituted them?

The Meetings of the Olympic Class were gatherings aimed at promoting the Olympic movement, instituted by Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games.

What strange request did Evangelis Zappas make in his will?

Evangelis Zappas requested that his estate be used to fund the revival of the Olympic Games in Greece, reflecting his commitment to Greek heritage.

What is Mt. Pentelikon?

Mt. Pentelikon is a mountain in Greece known for its white marble, which was used in many ancient structures, including the Parthenon.

Summarize the prejudice against 'laborers' or 'professionals' in the early Olympic revival.

In the early revival of the Olympics, there was a prejudice against athletes who were laborers or professionals, as the ideal athlete was seen as an amateur, embodying the spirit of ancient Greek ideals.

Who was Jim Thorpe? What role did he play in reviving the Olympic idea?

Jim Thorpe was an American athlete who won two gold medals at the 1912 Olympics, becoming a symbol of athletic excellence and inspiring the revival of the Olympic spirit.

Who was Jesse Owens?

Jesse Owens was an African American track and field athlete who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, challenging Nazi propaganda and becoming a symbol of racial equality.

What modern saying echoes Herodotus' statement about the Persian Royal Road?

The saying 'All roads lead to Rome' echoes Herodotus' statement, emphasizing the connectivity and importance of major trade routes in ancient civilizations.

Summarize the story of Cleomanes of Sparta and his wise young child from Herodotus Histories 5.50-51.

In Herodotus' account, Cleomanes, a Spartan king, is advised by his wise child, who suggests that the king should not be too proud or overconfident, highlighting the value of wisdom over brute strength.

Why did the Athenians run at the Battle of Marathon?

The Athenians ran at the Battle of Marathon to confront the invading Persian army, showcasing their determination and strategic prowess.

Who was Pheidipides?

Pheidipides was an ancient Greek messenger who ran from Marathon to Athens to announce the victory over the Persians, inspiring the modern marathon race.

What does Plutarch say about Thersippus of Eroeadae?

Plutarch describes Thersippus as a skilled athlete who exemplified the virtues of physical prowess and moral character in ancient Greek society.

What is the distance of the modern marathon? Where does that precise distance come from?

The modern marathon distance is 42.195 kilometers (26.2 miles), established during the 1908 London Olympics to accommodate the royal family's viewing preferences.

What 'sin' did Tantalus commit which began the long family curse? Give both versions and punishments.

Tantalus committed the sin of stealing ambrosia from the gods and serving his son Pelops as a meal to the gods. His punishment was eternal hunger and thirst in the afterlife.

How does Pelops cheat to win the chariot race against Oenomaus?

Pelops cheats by bribing Oenomaus' charioteer, Myrtilus, to sabotage the king's chariot, ensuring his victory.

What is a taraxippos?

A taraxippos is a term used to describe a place where a horse is frightened, often referring to a location in a race where horses may become spooked.

What is the Treasury of Atreus actually (it is not a treasury)?

The Treasury of Atreus is a large beehive-shaped tomb (tholos) built for Mycenaean royalty, not a treasury for storing wealth.

What despicable act does Agamemnon commit to make the winds blow when he is leading the expedition to Troy?

Agamemnon sacrifices his daughter Iphigenia to appease the goddess Artemis and gain favorable winds for the fleet heading to Troy.

What 'sins' does Clytemnestra, the wife of Agamemnon, commit? Why does she do it?

Clytemnestra commits the sins of infidelity and murder, killing Agamemnon upon his return from Troy as revenge for his sacrifice of their daughter and her own feelings of betrayal.

Describe Orestes' dilemma? According to Aeschylus, how is it resolved?

Orestes faces the dilemma of avenging his father's murder by killing his mother, Clytemnestra, which leads to his torment by the Furies. Aeschylus resolves this by having the court of the Areopagus decide his fate, ultimately acquitting him.

What is a pointing machine and how does it work? What famous American monument was constructed in this same way, but on a much more massive scale?

A pointing machine is a tool used by sculptors to create accurate replicas of sculptures by measuring and transferring points from a model to a larger version. The Statue of Liberty was constructed using a similar technique on a much larger scale.

What is the bronze alloy made of? Give 3 examples of bronze sculptures on campus or elsewhere.

Bronze is an alloy primarily made of copper and tin. Examples of bronze sculptures include the Statue of Liberty, the Thinker by Rodin, and the Lost Wax Castings in various museums.

Describe the lost wax bronze casting method.

The lost wax casting method involves creating a wax model of the sculpture, encasing it in a mold, melting the wax away, and then pouring molten bronze into the cavity to create the final sculpture.

What does the Greek word pathos mean? Use it in a sentence.

Pathos means a quality that evokes pity or sadness. For example, the pathos of the tragic play moved the audience to tears.

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