Daily Life

Every four years, the Greeks held the Olympic Games at Olympia to honor Zeus. All wars stopped during the games so athletes could travel safely. Events included running, wrestling, discus, javelin, boxing, chariot racing, and the long jump. Winners were crowned with olive wreaths and became heroes in their cities.

The games celebrated strength, skill, and unity — values the Greeks held dear. Today’s modern Olympics were inspired by these ancient traditions.

Greek life was full of work, family, and fun. Farmers grew grapes, olives, and wheat, while merchants sold pottery, spices, and jewelry in the bustling marketplace, or agora.

The Greeks loved music and theater. Their huge open-air theaters could hold up to 15,000 people, and the sound carried so clearly that even those in the back row could hear every word. Actors wore masks and performed tragedies, comedies, and plays about the gods. People played instruments like the lyre, flute, and drum, and every festival was filled with dance, laughter, and feasts.