Do you watch the Olympic Games on TV? Did you know that the Olympics started in ancient Greece about 2,800 years ago? Greece is a country in Europe, surrounded by beautiful blue seas. The ancient Greeks gave the world many wonderful things — the Olympics, democracy, theatre, and great ideas about science and mathematics.
Greece is in south-eastern Europe. Its capital city is Athens. Greece has many islands, mountains, and a long coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. The ancient Greeks lived in small city-states, each with its own government. The two most famous were Athens (known for learning) and Sparta (known for warriors).
The first Olympic Games were held in 776 BCE in a place called Olympia in Greece. They were held every four years in honour of Zeus, the king of Greek gods.
| Ancient Olympics | Modern Olympics |
|---|---|
| Started in 776 BCE in Greece | Restarted in 1896 in Athens, Greece |
| Only Greek men could compete | Men and women from all countries compete |
| Events: running, wrestling, chariot racing, discus | Over 300 events including swimming, gymnastics, athletics |
| Winners got olive wreaths (crowns) | Winners get gold, silver, and bronze medals |
| Wars stopped during the Games | Countries come together in peace |
The word democracy comes from two Greek words: demos (people) + kratos (rule) = "rule by the people." In Athens, about 2,500 years ago, citizens could vote on laws and decisions. This was the world's first democracy!
India is also a democracy. We vote to choose our leaders, just like the ancient Athenians did.
| Thinker | Known For |
|---|---|
| Socrates | A great philosopher who taught people to ask questions and think deeply. |
| Aristotle | Studied science, animals, and politics. Teacher of Alexander the Great. |
| Pythagoras | A mathematician. You will learn his famous theorem in higher classes! |
| Hippocrates | Called the "Father of Medicine." Doctors still take the Hippocratic Oath. |
Alexander the Great, a Greek king and student of Aristotle, came to the borders of India in 326 BCE. He fought King Porus (Puru) at the Battle of the Hydaspes (River Jhelum). Alexander was so impressed by Porus's bravery that he let him keep his kingdom. Greek and Indian cultures exchanged ideas in art, science, and astronomy after this meeting.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Olympics | A sports competition held every four years, started in ancient Greece |
| Democracy | A system where people choose their leaders by voting |
| Philosopher | A person who thinks deeply about life, truth, and knowledge |
| City-state | A city that governs itself like a small country |
| Civilization | An advanced society with culture, laws, and learning |
Finished learning? Now test what you know!