Hercules mosaic

According to legend, Hercules (Herakles) inaugurated the first Olympic Games to celebrate the success of one of his 12 labours – the cleaning of the stables of King Augeas. The length of the stadium, just over 192 metres, was said to be the distance that he could run in one breath.

Curator, Peter Higgs describes the mosaic. Audio only

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Hercules mosaic

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Discus thrower: the Townley Discobolus

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Victorious athlete: The Vaison Daidoumenos

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Model of ancient Olympia

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The Motya Charioteer

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Prize amphora showing a chariot race

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A competitor in the long jump

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Stele of Lucius who 'competed in a manner worthy of victory'

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Sprinter on a vase from Rhodes and a bronze running girl

The greatest Olympic runner of all was Leonidas of Rhodes who won all three running events
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Hercules mosaic

According to legend, Hercules (Herakles) inaugurated the first Olympic Games
Play video 

 

The victory of a cheating pankratiast

The pankration was a brutal form of wrestling where anything went except biting and gouging
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The goddess Nike crowning an athlete

Nike was the personification of victory
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Gold medals from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games

There were no medals for winners in the ancient Olympics
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