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The History of the Games

Olympia

Olympia, the site of the ancient Olympic Games, is in the western part of the Peloponnese which, according to Greek mythology, is the island of “Pelops”， the founder of the Olympic Games. Imposing temples, votive buildings, elaborate shrines and ancient sporting facilities(设备) were combined in a site of unique natural and mystical beauty.

Olympia functioned as a meeting place for worship and other religious and political practices as early as the 10th century BC. The central part of Olympia was dominated by the majestic temple of Zeus, with the temple of Hera parallel to it. The ancient stadium in Olympia could hold more than 40 000 audience, while in the surrounding area there were auxiliary(辅助的) buildings which developed gradually up until the 4th century BC. and were used as training sites for the athletes or to house the judges of the Games.

The Games and religion

The Olympic Games were closely linked to the religious festivals of the cult of Zeus, but were not a total part of a rite. Indeed, they had a secular character and aimed to show the physical qualities and development of the performances accomplished by young people, as well as encouraging good relations between the cities of Greece. According to specialists, the Olympic Games owed their purity and importance to religion.

Victory ceremonies

The Olympic victor received his first awards immediately after the competition. Following the announcement of the winner's name by the herald,_a Hellanodikis (Greek judge) would place a palm branch in his hands, while the audience cheered and threw flowers to him. Red ribbons were tied on his head and hands as a mark of victory.

The official award ceremony would take place on the last day of the Games, at the elevated vestibule of the temple of Zeus. In a loud voice, the herald would announce the name of the Olympic winner, his father's name, and his homeland. Then, the Hellanodikis placed the sacred olive tree wreath, or “kotinos”， on the winner's head.

6. When did Olympia become the site of the Olympic Games?

A. In the 10th century BC.

B. Before the 4th century BC.

C. After the 4th century BC.

D. It was not mentioned here.

7. Which one is true according to the passage?

A. Zeus is the founder of the Olympic Games.

B. The ancient stadium in Olympia was used as training sites for the athletes in the 10th century.

C. The Olympic Games have much to do with the religion.

D. The Olympic victor would receive a golden medal.

8. Can you guess the meaning of this word “herald” in the passage?

A. The author. B. The headmaster.

C. The announcer. D. The manager.

9. When the athletes won the game, ______.

A. they were awarded immediately after the competition

B. they were awarded twice: The first, immediately after the competition; the second, on the last day of the game

C. they were awarded on the last day of the game

D. they were awarded on the last day of the game or immediately after the competition

答案及解析：

6. B.文章第二段提到公元前4世纪的时候奥林匹亚运动场建造的辅助设施用来训练运动员或给裁判员休息，可见那时已经开始举行奥运会了。

7. C.文章第三段说到奥运会与宗教有很大的关系。

8. C.从文章后两段可以看出， herald是宣布获奖结果的，所以可以推测出应当是宣告员。 

9. B.文章倒数第二段提到第一次颁奖是在比赛结束时立即颁奖，最后一段又提到了官方的奖励，可见是有两次颁奖。