The beginnings of the Olympics in history
In the 9th century, Greece was going through a time when the various States were almost constantly at war with each other. At the same time epidemics of often fatal diseases were sweeping over the country. King Iphotos of Elis asked the Oracle at Dephi what could be done to prevent these things. The answer came back that the Olympic Games were to be revived. This Iphitos’ did, and in 884 B.C. he and Lycourgos of Sparta and Klesthenis of Pisa agreed on a treaty or Sacred Truce. This treaty was upheld for many years. It stated that Elis and Olympia were sacred places and no armed warriors were allowed to move through these areas. The month when the Games were held were named by the Truce and during the Games, all wars had to cease throughout the country. Any State that broke these rules was fined and its athletes were banned from taking part in the Games.
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19880523.2.129.2
Bibliographic details
Press, 23 May 1988, Page 28
Word Count
165The beginnings of the Olympics in history Press, 23 May 1988, Page 28
Using This Item
Stuff Ltd is the copyright owner for the Press. You can reproduce in-copyright material from this newspaper for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 New Zealand licence. This newspaper is not available for commercial use without the consent of Stuff Ltd. For advice on reproduction of out-of-copyright material from this newspaper, please refer to the Copyright guide.
Copyright in all Footrot Flats cartoons is owned by Diogenes Designs Ltd. The National Library has been granted permission to digitise these cartoons and make them available online as part of this digitised version of the Press. You can search, browse, and print Footrot Flats cartoons for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from Diogenes Designs Ltd for any other use.
Acknowledgements
This newspaper was digitised in partnership with Christchurch City Libraries.
Log in