The Olympics Weren't the Only Greek Games

Although the ancient Olympics didn't have a torch relay -- or many of the sporting events that will be eagerly watched this year in London, there were other Greek athletic competitions. Four of them were known as the Panhellenic Games. A fifth, modeled on these games, was a festival for Athena. In this festival, there was a torch relay. At this festival, the prize was olive oil, the mythological gift from Athena to her city. The oil was given the winners in a container, like the amphora shown.

Related:

• Review: Sport and Spectacle, by Kyle
• Pictures of Ancient Greek Athletes
• Was Alexander a Greek?
• Origins of the Ancient Olympics