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Olympia, Temple of
Hera
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Greek
Mythology is a mystical topic. There are lots of different branches and
endless myths and legends all tied together in an amazing web. Mythology
started out as a religion based on the fact that no one really knew why
some things happened, or why there were certain aspects in life. There were
Gods that put the sun in the sky, that made the wind blow, and that caused
pain and suffering. The most well known culture of mythology is Greek mythology.
The first people to inhabit Greece lived mainly on the coastlines to rely
on the Aegean sea for trade and various supplies. Around 1200 B.C. conflict
arose in Troy. Paris, the son of Zeus and Leda was given a promise by Aphrodite
that he would marry the |
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Helen of Troy. In return, he was to judge her as the fairest goddess. Aphrodite
kept her promise and Paris began his journey. As she promised, when Paris
and Helen saw each other they fell in love. It wasn't long before Paris
and Helen eloped to Troy. Helen, however was already married to King Menelaos.
When Helen's hand in marriage was awarded to Menelaos he was made to give
an oath that if anyone ever were to take her to another land would have
war raged against |
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Olympia, Temple of
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them. Therefore, war began. The Trojan War is said to have lasted ten years,
but there is often conflict about the exact dates of the war. Many myths
are tied into the Trojan War. Odysseus and the famous epic The Odyssey
are closely tied to the war. In the tenth year, Greece was successful, and
tricked the warriors of Troy with the Trojan horse.
The Olympic Games were an influence of Greek mythology as well. The ancient
games were played in honor of Zeus. The games were held every four years.
When the games were being held, it was a time of truce between all of the
cities competing. The only prize was a crown made from olive leaves. Sometimes
there were other incentives from their |
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homeland however.
Athletes who won were often given free lodging in an exquisite estate
for the four years after the games, some were awarded free food for the
time period after.Any man could compete in the games, but only men were
allowed, women could not compete. For a long time there was only one event.
The first event was a simple foot race. At one particular game, a competator
purposefully lost his clothing and was said to have won the race, since
he didn't have that restriction against him. After that the athletes competed
naked. Women were not allowed at the Olympic games, and there were no
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Olympia, Stadium
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exceptions.
The games were worshiping Zeus, the King of the Gods, and no women were
allowed. Later the games expanded. More contests were added. There were
more foot races of varying lengths, discus throws, and chariot racing. The
women were allowed to watch the chariot racing event, because it was not
actually held inside of Olympia. |