Classical Studies 1000 Lecture Notes - Lecture 43: Olympic Oath, Ritual Purification, Chariot Racing

• School: Western University
• Department: Classical Studies
• Course: Classical Studies 1000
• Professor: Bernd Steinbock

Document Summary

6 festivals within 4 years every 4 years, at second full moon after summer solstice. 1 day prior: procession from elis to olympia (58 km) Day 1: ritual purification; oath, age classification. Day 3: religious highpoint: hecatomb for zeus; feast; boys competition. Day 5: crowning of victors; victory dinner. 10 hellanodikai (judges) preparation of athletes at elis: Preparation of stadium in olympia surface of the track pit for the jumpers. Note: olympia was first and for most a sanctuary before a place for sports. Main temple in olympia was for zeus. Stoas, dining rooms fountain houses telling who they defeated in wars individuals who have accomplished something (eg athletes) 1 day prior: procession from the elis to olympia (58 km) Bouleuterion determination of the age classes (men or boys) just judging the ages, should they be with men or boys (ex at like 18 years) no married women could come to the sanctuary and watch.