How to Be an Ancient Greek Athlete

Athletes Needed—apply at your local gymnasium. Do you have what it takes to represent Athens at the great games at Olympia?

The ancient Greeks believed in training the mind and body together, so once you start your training you'll study grammar, music, citizenship, and philosophy. At the same time, you'll be expected to develop all of your athletic skills: boxing, running, wrestling, the long jump, and the pentathlon.

Once every four years the great games at Olympia take place. If you're good enough, you'll join athletes from all over the Greek world for a month of special training. Athletes must work hard—there is no second or third place.