5 ways the ancient Olympics differ from the modern games
The Games of the XXXII Olympiad are scheduled to begin July 23 in Tokyo after being postponed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In anticipation of the triumphant return of this celebrated international event, read on to learn how the Olympics of ancient Greece differ from their modern counterparts.
1. The naked truth
Ancient Olympians competed in the nude. In fact, the roots of the word “gymnasium” rest in two Greek terms meaning “naked” and “place.”
2. Beyond physical training
The athletes of yore exercised not only their bodies, but their minds, including discussions of philosophy in their efforts. (USC commemorates this mind-body philosophy today with a Greek motto emblazoned on an archway near the athletic fields: “A healthy mind in a healthy body.”)
3. No holds barred
Whereas modern Olympic boxing, wrestling and martial arts adhere to strict rules, the pankration (pronounced “pan-KRAH-tee-own”) combined wrestling and boxing, and allowed nearly any move other than biting and eye-gouging.
4. A religious experience
The ancient game venue featured a plethora of temples dedicated to the ancient gods, including one that held one of the wonders of the world, a giant statue of Zeus made of wood, ivory and gold.
5. No girls allowed
In the ancient Olympics, only Greek men could compete. The modern Olympics feature both men and women international athletes — good news for competitors such as champion beach volleyball player (and USC Dornsife political science major) Tina Graudina.
Watch the video below to learn more.
Dornsife Dialogues
On June 25, a special Dornsife Dialogues event, “Olympic training during a pandemic — and how the Games have changed since 776 B.C.,” took a deeper look at the similarities and differences between the modern and ancient Olympic games as well as what it’s like to train during a pandemic.
History and archaeology major Sean Silvia, host of “Door to Dornsife” and “Archaeologists Anonymous,” interviewed Graudina, Vincent Farenga, professor of classics and comparative literature, and Lucas Herchenroeder, associate professor (teaching) of classics. Watch the recording of the event on the USC Dornsife YouTube channel.