The types of sports played in Ancient Greece were footrace, wrestling, boxing, pancratium (combiantion of wrestling and boxing), horse racing, and as shown on the videos pentathalons. These pentathalons included running, long jump, javeling, discus throwing, and wrestling. These sports were performed by men only. Women were not even allowed to watch the games. These greek athletes had to swear under oath to Zeus that they had 10 months of preparation and were prepared for another one before competition. These sports functioned as entertainment for both common men and royalty men. Whoever won would become a sports millionaire and losers would be forgotten. In Ancient Rome gladiator battles were the common sport/entertainment for the people. This was the most brutal and bloodiest of all sports. Gladiators could be slaves, criminals, or prisoners of war. They would battle from 10 to 15 minutes and would have a life span of 20 to 30 years. They fought until someone could not fight back anymore. The winner would receive prices or would be considered a sport celebrity, but the loser's fate lied on the emperor's hand because he could choose to let him live or to have him killed. Gladiator battles, I believe to be both for entertainment and political. Entertaining to the common public and royalty, but at the same time political because men who fought in these battles were basically forced to do it.
Im curious as to what you thought about Zeus Sisters presence at the games and the role that honoring the Gods played in inviting her? Overall, nice post!!
ReplyDelete-Alex Hiser