Greek Olympics

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of states. Beginning in the 6th century BCE, Olympia became the premier venue for the signing of inter-city treaties. These gatherings clearly created a sense of unity, and the symbol of the naked body helped to produce a feeling of pride among the Greeks. Economically, a great deal of trade revolved around the festivals and it undoubtedly continued even after they completed.
Pindar and Bacchylides, choral lyric poets, composed victory odes honnoring famous victors (who also happened to have enough money to pay for the privelege). These odes are particularly important for modern scholars of mythology since they often constitute very important sources for various versions of mythology. They usually began with praise for the person whom they honored and then proceeded to give mythological examples that served to enhance the glory of their victories. Mythological references were often made to heroes coming from the winner's country of origin, serving to glorify the winning ...

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