Ancient Olympia, Greece - Recent

As the world's top-notch athletes are fighting for their medals at the ongoing Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games, the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia, where the Games Olympic flame was ignited, is attracting tourists around the world to eye the birthplace of the Opympic Games.

Situated on the western Peloponnese Peninsula in Greece, the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia was once a prominent venue for athletic competitions among city-states in ancient Greece. The first Olympic Games were held there in 776 B.C., with subsequent Games taking place every four years until 393 AD, when they were banned by the ancient Romans.

When athletes from various Greek city-states arrived at Olympia, their first stop would be the training grounds. After completing their training and preparation there, they would proceed to the arena for the competitions.

The footrace was the first event in the ancient Olympics and also the only event in the early Games. The arena at the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia, from the starting point on the left to the finishing point on the right, is approximately 192.5 meters long. This distance is known as a "stadion", which is the origin of the English word "stadium."

The slopes around the arena served as the viewing areas for spectators, with a dedicated section for judges on the southern slope. The entire arena could accommodate around 50,000 spectators. As the ancient Olympic Games developed, the number of events continued to increase. Classical pentathlon, boxing, and chariot racing, among others, gradually became part of the competitions.

As the ancient Olympic Games continued to develop, athletes who won at the Olympics would gain increasing amounts of honor and recognition.

After the competitions concluded, officials in ancient Olympia would host a grand banquet for the victors. Following the banquet, these champions would return to their own city-states with great honor, awaiting the next four years to pass until the next Olympic Games.

Shotlist:
Ancient Olympia, Greece - Recent:
1. Various of Ancient Olympia stadium; tourists;
2. SOUNDBITE (Greek) Christos Liagouras, archaeologist (ending with shot 3):
"In ancient times, city-states would tear down their walls for the victors, and champions would be exempt from taxes. In many city-states, they would receive free food for life. They would also frequently receive military honors, such as being awarded the title of general.";
3. Various of Ancient Olympia stadium;
4. People running;
5. Various of Ancient Olympia stadium; tourists.

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