Inglenook, The (1907) . jump-ing, wrestling, discus-throwing, horse-racing, boxing,and chariot-racing. The athletes were required tospend ten months previous to the contests in constanttraining at Olympia; the last thirty days were spentunder the direct supervision of the officials for thegames. The athletes had to be freeborn Greeks ofunstained character; none could enter who had com- in his honor was given at the public expense. Oft-times he was exempted from taxes and given a athletic competitions bring to us some realiza-tion of the splendor, of the energy of the contestants
Inglenook, The (1907) . jump-ing, wrestling, discus-throwing, horse-racing, boxing,and chariot-racing. The athletes were required tospend ten months previous to the contests in constanttraining at Olympia; the last thirty days were spentunder the direct supervision of the officials for thegames. The athletes had to be freeborn Greeks ofunstained character; none could enter who had com- in his honor was given at the public expense. Oft-times he was exempted from taxes and given a athletic competitions bring to us some realiza-tion of the splendor, of the energy of the contestants,and of the enthusiasm among the thousands and thou-sands of spectators at these games; but we miss theirreligious and patriotic setting, the beautiful bare formsof the athletes, the historical associations, and theGreek sky. There were other attractive features besides thegames. To the worshipful soul of the Greek thereligious sacrifices and ceremonies were a necessarypart of the performances. At these gatherings, con-. .?Vncient Theater Where Games Were Held. mitted sacrilege, impiety, murder, or any other seriousoffense. Each athlete felt that the honor and standingof his native city depended on his success. Thesegames were not rude, barbarian ganies. Strict ruleswere diligently enforced. The officials were men ofgood character always fair and just. The athletes tooka solemn oath that they would be fair in the contestand would obser\e the rules and restrictions. If onewere unfair and unmanly, he was counted out. Noclothing was worn in the contests. The name of thevictor and that of his father and of his country, wereannounced by a herald before the representatives ofassembled Greece. To be victor was to have lifelongdistinction. He received the much cherished olivewreath. His statue was placed in the sacred groveof Olympian Zeus. Honors were showered upon himby his grateful countrymen, who gave him a triumphalreception when he entered his native city; a banquet ferences were
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