Honours on the Olympic Champions

The Olympic winner received an olive wreath the kotinos. Ifitos instituted this trophy on the advice of the oracle at Delphi. The olive tree that was at the south of the temple of Zeus cut the branches. A boy whose parents were alive cut them using a gold scissors. Then he took them at the temple of Hera and put them on a gold and ivory table so that the Hellanodikes would wreath the winners. Red ribbons were tied on the forehead and other parts of the athletes’ body as a mark of victory. The moral significance of this victory was inestimable. Famous poets wrote about them like Simonides, Vakhilides, and of course Pindar.

When the Olympic champion returned to his city, he was offered many honours. A part of the walls of the city was demolished, because the winner came from there, so he entered the city on a magnificent tethrippo (four horses) chariot through the new entrance.

Then he offered up a sacrifice to the patron deity of the city and he donated his wreath. The whole city took part at the festive dinner. Other privileges were given to the winner like his lifelong providing with food at the public expense, he was also exempted from paying taxes, while Solon in Athens instituted prize money. In Sparti the winner had the right to fight next to the king. He had a honourable seat at the public manifestations, while many times his name was engraved on steles that were in obvious places. In some cities the Olympic champions were worshipped like heroes after their death. The privileges and the honours to the champions varied from town to town. However the most important honours were the right to place their statue at the sacred Altis, and the victorious hymn that was written to glorify his victory. These two honours ensured their glory and their name was known forever.

The lighting of the Olympic Flame

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