THE OLYMPIC GAMES. 319

the sacred grove of Altis, where grew the wild olive
which furnished the wreaths for the victors, a
simple olive wreath forming the ordinary prize of
victory; in the four great games the victor was pre-
sented with a palm branch, which he carried in
his right hand. Near this grove was the Hippo-
drome, where the chariot-races took place. The
great Stadion stood outside the temple enclosure,
where lay the most advantageous stretch of ground.

The training required for participants in these
sacred games was severe. No one was allowed to
take part unless he had trained in the gymnasium
for ten months in advance. No criminal, nor person
with any blood impurity, could compete, a mere
pimple on the body being sufficient to rule a man
out. In short, only perfect and completely trained
specimens of manhood were ‘admitted to the lists,
while the fathers and relatives of a contestant were
required to swear that they would use no artifice or
unfair means to aid their relative to a victory. The
greatest care was also taken to select judges whose
character was above even the possibility of bribery.

Women were not permitted to appear at the games,
and whoever disobeyed this law was to be thrown
from a rock. On certain occasions, however, their
presence was permitted, and there were a series of
games and races in which young girls took part. In
time it became the custom to diversify the games
with dramas, and to exhibit the works of artists,
while poets recited their latest odes, and other
writers read their works. Here Herodotus read his
famous history to the vast assemblage.