Ancient Olympics and Politics

The purpose of this book is, through this, to approach the subject of the relationship between the Olympic Games and politics in ancient Greece, given that the games were also political sports between the city-states, which could lead to political rivalries but and in collaborations. At the same time, it is appropriate to touch upon the relationship between politics and religion, especially regarding the role played by the latter in the Olympic Games, since religion and sports were inextricably linked. In theory, sport should not be confused with politics, because its ideals and values ​​test their endurance in the real world and usually taste the bitterness of defeat. Nevertheless, the Olympic Games were inextricably linked with the political situation in ancient Greece. It was born of the effort of the Greek cities to mature politically, facing their differences under a common purpose, "good fight". So, in order to gain prestige and pan-Hellenic acceptance, the games were associated with the divine, that is, they acquired a divine origin. Thus, the common religion would form the cohesive bond between the scattered Greek races, so it is no coincidence that many Olympians were characterized as "isotheists". From the 5th century onwards, while the main purpose of the contests, i.e. the creation of a unified political consciousness of the Greeks, does not change, others emerge, related to the competition of the political systems of the city-states. The politically mature city-state, through the specific goals and objectives that frame it, wants to highlight its uniqueness, projecting new values ​​and ideals. Thus, we have the emergence of the ideal state, through the athlete-citizen, the need for the presence in the city of a maximum number of Olympians either through financial incentives, or with bribes from opponents, laying the foundations for professionalism in sports and finally the removal of religious character, emphasizing the political character of the games.