A Guide to the Ancient Olympics

How would you plan a visit to the ancient Olympic Games? Where would you eat and sleep? Which events would be exciting to watch, and which could be safely skipped?

For much more on the ancient Olympics and ancient athletics, check out my book “Naked Statues, Fat Gladiators, and War Elephants: Frequently Asked Questions about the Ancient Greeks and Romans."

You can follow me elsewhere on the web:

0:00 Introduction
0:31 Ancient and Modern Olympics
2:05 Ancient Olympics of special interest
2:44 The Sanctuary at Olympia
3:12 The Experience of the Ancient Olympics
3:59 Using your time wisely
4:35 The chariot race
5:23 Track and field events
5:59 Wrestling
6:50 Boxing
7:22 Pankration
8:22 Conclusion

Thanks for watching!

[una]

this is legit the cutting edge of history content on yt

[bruceschneider]

There aren't many people who can pull off delivering humor as a documentary. Well done.

[Clyman]

So they already had the equivalent of F1 and UFC? I love how we as human are consistent in the things we like watching

[justinbetland]

The hypothetical perspective of a time traveler helps trigger my imagination. I also really appreciate that you made videos explaining Roman wages and the relative buying power of a given amount of their currency.
Keep it up, this is my favorite channel for Roman History!

[WelcomeToDERPLAND]

Man, the strategy of immediately trying to break your opponents fingers is scummy but I imagine quite effective.

[yoursotruly]

"Imagine yourself at the ancient Olympics..." OMG, I'm naked, and that giant reaching for my jewels must be Milo of Kroton! Curse you toldinstone, I'm not imagining this going well at all, how do you say "HELP!" in Greek?

[Goths-On-The-Beach]

6:50 still a legit move in grappling and combat sports today. Most people call this move Drop Seoi Nage as they assume it comes from Japan. Interesting how this is thought of as a Judo throwing technique but here it is being used in Wrestling. Just shows how sophisticated these combat athletes were. Amazing video 🤙

[jmonettemusic]

Ok I usually don’t comment twice but the way he said “discouraged” with every letter perfectly annunciated reeked of academic disdain. Top 10 told in stone moments for sure

[Bojanglesthewitch]

Dear toldinstone, your time travelers guide videos are incredible. Please keep making them when you can. i cant get enough of them, thank you

[wahooguy]

Relatively new subscriber, fellow nerd and lover of all things Greek and Roman. Just want to say thanks for making fun, low-key, informative content.

[jasonkoch]

This channel should have 10 times as many subscribers. C'mon YouTube, make this happen.

[ronnestman]

This channel deserves to have millions of followers. It’s the way the the content is presented. He’s a good guy, you can just tell.

[Angelfeather]

Outstanding. I always count the days till your next post! One more month till your book is out… For those who might not know, the ubiquitous abbreviation “gym” originates from the Greek word “gymnos” meaning naked. Think of that when preparing your sports gear for a workout..

[nicolasclermont]

How can 1 youtuber be so based? Thank you.
Also im enjoying your bright orange book (it helps me find it when i leave it laying around) very very much.

[Sean-ym]

Best YouTube channel making content on ancient history

[gerardjacquemier]

Excellent, comme toujours, bravo Garreett

[LookHereMars]

I am very happy to have found your channel it is a gem among gems of YouTube history channels. Keep up the good work my friend. 👍

[velislavjan]

This channel rocks, keep it up, this content is pure gold !!!

[raulm]

I love history and I love your channel Dr. Ryan. I also pre-ordered your book: Naked statues and fat gladiators.I know I will devour it as soon as I get it. Can't wait. And thank you for teaching us history geeks all those incredible things from the Classical period.

[ancientsitesgirl]

I just want remind that as important as Olympic were Pythian games in anciet Greece! recently I was in Delphi with my camera 🎥❤