In ancient Greece, Olympia was the sacred site which derived the name for the Olympic Games. The ancient Olympics were the ultimate event and the athletes were determined to win. There were more than a dozen events added for men, some included the world cup and the super bowl which rolled into one. Many of the athletes dedicated themselves to the God Zeus during this time and felt worshiped. There were many religious beliefs and mythology linked between the sport and religion. The overall sport was characterized by gender exclusion and frequent violence as well as entertainment and festivities.
There was the 100 meter dash, where the judges on the "track" made sure that the athletes didn't cheat. Greek triple jumpers carried weights with them as they jumped, and since this era that has changed and evolved in today's modern society. Lastly, the pentathletes were known as the ultimate examples of grace and power in Ancient Greece.
In ancient Rome, the main reasons for sport were entertainment, circus-gladiators and combat. Gladiators were known as hero's and some even came straight from war. The athlete is an example of admiration and he is then challenged to win his freedom. Gladiators are trained in special facilities and the training schools are filled with fighters eager to learn the way of the gladiator. This is designed for close quarter work and correct training. Gladiators have costumes that can also be used as props in the hopes to conquer their enemy. The Romans truly emphasized spectacle and the power of political leaders. Overall, the sport was characterized by diversions for the mass amounts of people, exclusion of women as athletes and the absence of quantification and record keeping.
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