Lin and Don Donn
Mr. Donn's Ancient Greek Olympics
Discover more about the ancient Greek Olympians and how they represented their individual city-states. This site features how to prepare yourself to take part in the games.
Greek Gods
Greek Gods: Ancient Greece: Ancient Olympia
This site focuses on Ancient Olympia, an archaeological site of Peloponnese, in southern Greece known as the Cradle of the Olympic Games. The Games were played in Zeus's honor; they dated back to 776 BC and were held every four years.
Tufts University
Tufts University: Ancient Olympic Events
This resource gives an overview of the ancient Greek Olympic games. Learn about the history of wrestling, running and the discus. Includes images and video (requires QuickTime).
Other
Ancient History: 10 Ancient Greek Inventions and Discoveries Still Used Today
Ten of the important inventions and innovations of the ancient Greeks are described. These include the water mill, the odometer, alarm clocks, cartography, the Olympics, geometry, Hippocratic medicine, philosophy, democracy, and...
Read Works
Read Works: The Olympics Then and Now
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students read two charts with information about the Olympics in ancient Greece and in modern times. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in comparing and contrasting.
Able Media
Able Media Llc: The Ancient Olympics
A series of articles and historical information about the history, origins, and events of the ancient Olympics.
Other
Foundation of Hellenic World: From Ancient Olympia to Athens of 1896
History timeline with informational text begins with Ancient Olympia and takes viewers on a journey through the Minoans and Myceneans, Homer and the Polis to Athens of 1896.
Other
Foundation of the Hellenic World: Olympics Through Time
Learn about the long and fascinating history of the Olympics, beginning with a foot race in Olympia in 776 BC. The site is divided into two parts. The first covers Ancient Olympia up to Athens of 1896. The second covers Athens of 1896 up...
Ducksters
Ducksters: Quiz: Ancient Greek Olympic Games for Kids
Answer question about the ancient Olympics that were held in Greece with this quiz.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Ancient Greek Olympics for Kids
Kids learn about the Olympic games of Ancient Greece. The history of this world civilization on this site.
Other
Natural History Magazine: With Hands or Swift Feet (Ancient Olympic Games)
Article adaptation from "A Brief History of the Olympic Games" (Blackwell Publishing, 2004) summarizes key aspects of the ancient Olympic competitions, ideals, and festivals.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Live From Ancient Olympia!
For this lesson plan, students will consider "Live from Ancient Olympia!." The plan includes worksheets and other student materials that can be found under the resource tab.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: The Ancient Origins of the Olympics
Armand D'Angour explains the evolution of the Olympics. [3:20]
Tufts University
Tour of Olympia: Ancient Olympic Events
Like the modern sport of wrestling, an athlete needed to throw his opponent on the ground, landing on a hip, shoulder, or back for a fair fall.
Stephen Byrne
History for Kids: The Ancient Greek Olympics
Teaches about the origins of the Greek Olympic games and their evolution to become a significant cultural phenomenon in ancient Greece.
Tufts University
Tufts University: The Ancient Olympics
Here at the Tufts University you can find a wealth of information regarding the Ancient Olympics. Content compares the ancient Olympics to our modern games, provides a tour of Ancient Olympia, defines the "Olympic spirit," and includes...
Penn Museum
Penn Museum: The Real Story of the Ancient Olympic Games
This site delves into the history of the Ancient Olympic games. The University of Pennsylvania's Museum of different aspects of the Ancient Olympic games.
University Press
University Press: Ancient Greece
Exhaustive and informative collection of information on ancient Greece arranged by topical area: art, architecture, history, the Olympics, wars, geography, mythology, people, and more.
BBC
Bbc: Bitesize: How Did the Olympic Games Begin?
Take a look at the ancient Olympics and learn about some of the sporting events at the games. There is a virtual tour of Olympia, the site of the Olympic games.
Other
Hellenic Ministry of Culture: The Ancient Olympic Games
Gives a brief history of the ancient games held every four years in Olympia. There are also short articles with pictures on some of the items used during the games.
C3 Teachers
C3 Teachers: Inquiries: Olympics
A comprehensive learning module on the significance of the Olympics that includes three supporting questions accompanied by formative tasks and source materials, followed by a summative performance task. Topics covered include the...
United Nations
Unesco: Archaeological Site of Olympia
This World Heritage website features Olympia, the site of the ancient Greek Olympics. Found here are a description, links, a map, documentation, and photos of its many archaeological treasures.
Tufts University
Perseus: The Greek City States and Religious Festivals
Discusses the difference between modern and ancient Greek Olympic games, and goes into depth about the religious festivals that took place. Additional links to related material.
Tufts University
Perseus Digital Library: Ancient Olympic Events: Boxing
A description, with primary source illustrations, of how boxing was done in the ancient Greek Olympics.