Shows look at early Olympics

By Judith S. Gillies
Washington Post

"The First Olympian" uses modern science to re-create the life of an ancient Olympian whose grave was discovered in 1959. "The Seven Wonders of Ancient Greece" looks at the great accomplishments of Greek society, including the early years of the Games.

"First Olympian" focuses on a specific man — the Athlete of Taranto — whose grave was found in southern Italy, where a Greek outpost existed about 2,500 years ago.

Archaeologists studied intricate jars found in the Athlete of Taranto's grave and pieced together some aspects of his life. Painstakingly, scientists used computer models with forensic science and some engineering to work out the strength of the early athlete. Through comparisons with modern athletes, they were able to stage a computer-assisted jumping competition.

In addition to looking at the Olympics, "Seven Wonders" delves into mythology and fact about the Palace of Knossos, the Oracle at Delphi, the Theater of Epidaurus, the Colossus of Rhodes, the lost city of Atlantis and the Parthenon.

The skills of war inspired many Olympic events, the documentary says. Discus throwing was based on throwing stones, one of the most primitive kinds of warfare, while running and wrestling also were important battlefield skills.

Cheating, including bribing officials, was a great concern.

Religion also played a huge part in the ancient Games, and there were enormous sacrifices to Zeus, and victors won a lifetime of indulgences.