Nude Olympics To Princess' Win: 7 Lesser-Known Facts About Olympics

Olympics has a more savage history than you may think. Did you know, that the first written evidence of the Olympics dates back to 776 BC? This was when Greeks began measuring time in a unit called 'Olympiads.' Olympiads referred to the time between each edition of the Olympic Games.

Did you also know that facts fascinate the human brain more than visual actions? 

Lesser-Known Facts About Olympics

Olympic Athletes played wearing nothing - Naked Games

For most of its history, the Olympics was played naked. In fact, the words gymnasts or gymnasium are based on the German adjective gymnos meaning lightly-clad or naked. They were only allowed to wear a piece of string to protect their private parts. This technique is referred to as kynodesma or dog tying. 

The nude fashion was introduced by a runner named Acanthus who stepped into the ground one day without the customary loincloth. 

Gold Medals are not all gold since 1912

The production of solid gold medals that contained 100% pure gold metal was desisted in 1912. Modern-day metals are not solid gold and contain a huge chunk of silver metal.

No women are allowed at the Olympics

Women were barred from competing in the Olympic games but had their own game festivals called Heraia. Heraia was typically a puberty or pre-nuptial initiation ritual in which young girls participated. One could see young women engaged in competitive footraces. 

It was only after 1900 that women could participate in the Olympia.

The Olympics has its Official Language 

The Olympics has 3 official languages: French, English and the language of the host country. Among these, French holds a special significance and accordingly takes precedence over any other language in announcements and communications related to the Olympic games. At the time the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was formed, French was regarded as the diplomatic language. The added presence of the IOC in French cities contributed to awarding French the status of the 'first official language' of the Olympics. 

The Olympics used to be brutal

In Ancient Greece, they called the games "Olympiakos Agnos" which literally translates to The Struggle of Olympics. 

"Agonies. It's a really intense struggle. So death was expected at these events. I mean, it's full-on," Professor Michael Scott and Comedian Shaparak Khorsandi reveal in a podcast. 

Plato's interesting case of refuge 

When the ancient philosopher Plato attended the games, he had to share a tent with complete strangers. He later complained about their loud snoring too.

But this story was a testimony to the Greeks' undying love and respect for the games. As the only two inns at the Olympics were reserved for the VIPs, everyone else had to camp on the hillside.

The first-woman victory belonged to a Princess

Cynisca was a Spartan Princess and an athlete. She defeated everyone in the four-horse chariot races and led the first woman to victory at the Olympics.