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During
the preparation of athletes in the city of Ilida the
Hellanodikes separated them, depending on their age,
in categories of (men and teenagers).
Two days before the beginning of the games, the parade
with athletes, judges and distinguished persons left
Ilida and reached Olympia covering the Sacred Way.
First day
In the morning of the first day the ceremony of oath
–taking was held in the building of Chamber of
Deputies in front of the statue of Jupiter on behalf
of the athletes, their relatives and the judges in
order not to break the rules. Then they registered the
athletes, they separated them according to the games
drew them in pairs or in order of their participation.
In the entrance of the stadium the races of messengers
and trumpeters were taken place. In the afternoon
offerings and oracularities were performed in the
sacred Altis. Furthermore philosophers, historians and
poets made speeches and various gatherings were
organized.
Second
day
In the morning the Hellanodikes and all athletes
parade in the stadium where the spectators were
gathered. The first game was the stadion (single –course
race), then the boys’ wrestling, the boxing and the
pankration.
Third
day
In the morning armatodromies (two-horse chariot) and
the equestrian events were taken place at the
Hippodrome. In the afternoon the athletes competed at
pentathlon (jumping, discus thro, running, javelin
throw, wrestling). In the evening they used to make
offerings to honour Pelops and they organized festive
dinners.
Fourth
day
On the
fourth day all athletes and the Hellanodikes forming a
parade left the gymnasium and reached the big altar of
Jupiter where 100 animals were offered (hetacomb).
After this brilliant ceremony the athletes competed at
running, wrestling, boxing and pankration. The last
athletic event of the day was the race in armor.
Fifth
day
The last day was dedicated to the award ceremony. The
Hellanodikes placed the sacred olive tree wreath on
the winner’s head at the temple of Zeus. Then all
were welcome to participate in the official dinner and
the festive celebrations at the prytaneum.
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