The Original Olympics

About 2300 years ago, the Land of Israel was in the grip of Greek culture. The Greeks believed in beauty for its own sake. They loved beautiful buildings, colourful paintings and sweet music as well as emphasising the beauty of the body. Many physical tests and sports took up their time as they developed their muscles and bodies. Their religion was one of many gods and goddesses who lived on lofty Mount Olympus in north-eastern Greece. These "gods" were very physical and stories were told of how they feasted and squabbled with each other.

The annual Olympics was a religious as well as sporting event in Greece. Offerings and gifts were given to the Greek gods, especially Hercules, before the games began. Participants competed in the nude and much emphasis was placed on bodily beauty and physical prowess. This had a powerful effect on the Jews of that time. Gymnasiums sprung up in major Israeli cities and young Jews would spend more and more time exercising and beautifying themselves. Some Jewish men actually had operations to conceal their circumcision and the High Priest in Jerusalem changed his name from Joshua to Jason in his eagerness to accept and promote this foreign culture.

Other Jews, however, resisted strongly. They saw how the promotion of sport led to alienation from Judaism and finally to assimilation. This was a battle of two cultures with deeply opposing basic beliefs. The Greeks worshipped nature and their petty materialistic gods while the Jews recognised the one true Creator of the universe who is not limited by physicality.

Some Jews tried to live in both worlds like the contingent who went to the games held in Tyre which paralleled the 152nd Olympic Games in Greece. They refused to bring the customary gifts which would be dedicated to Hercules, and demanded that they were not used for idol worship.

Roman influences

By 63 BCE, Israel was ruled by the Romans. They too were very effected by Greek culture but added many influences of their own. The Romans accepted the Greek gods but changed all their names. (Zeus became Jupiter etc.) When it came to sport, the Romans were really vicious. Their bravery and disciplined fighting methods allowed them to conquer many countries but they had little compassion for other human beings. One of the greatest joys the Romans had was to watch gladiators fighting in large arenas. They also took pleasure in watching slaves fight each other or lions to the death. In Israel, the Roman appointed ruler, Herod, built many sports stadia some of which you may have seen on tour. He introduced a local Olympics and brought athletes from all over the world to compete in boxing, archery and racing. Through heavy taxation he gave large sums to the Olympic games in Greece.

The modern Olympics

In 1892, Baron Pierre de Courbetin had the idea of reviving the Olympic Games which had not been staged for about 1500 years. He dreamed that the Olympics would lead to "building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport" He believed that the "Olympic spirit" was key to a balanced and healthy culture. However, the early Games were not so uplifting. In 1900, the Paris Games were a disaster. Held as part of the World Exhibition the competition was spread over five months and many participants returned home unaware they had taken part in the Olympics. The St. Louis Games of 1904 were so badly organised, that many nations didn't even turn up. The American, Fred Lorz won the marathon but caused a scandal when it was discovered that he had got a lift in a car outside the stadium.

Olympics 2000 and beyond...

Whatever happens television will be there to record it. One thing can safely be said about the next century of Games: TV will increasingly dictate the programme. Already we have seen its impact. The modern pentathlon has been trimmed from its traditional five-day format to just one day to suit TV scheduling. Judo bouts used to fifteen minutes and are now set at five. How did we ever get synchronised swimming and beach volley ball on the Olympic timetable if it weren't for TV? What next? Ballroom dancing has been accepted as a demonstration sport...

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