Who was allowed to enter the ancient Olympics?

Answer 1

Only those men who could prove that they were Greek. Unfortunately for us, ethnicity was not the same then as we see it now. By this I mean that everyone from Herodotus to Plutarch had a different interpretation on who was/was not Greek and why. In many ways, being Greek was more of a social identity than it necessarily was a racial/ethnic one.

Alexander the great is a perfect example of this ambiguity: he competed in the Olympic games towards the end of the Classical period, however there was debate surrounding the legitimacy of his claim because he displayed characteristics that were considered both Greek and barbarian depending on the author. He was also from Macedonia which was a region considered only semi-Greek by most of the prominent poleis (city-states).

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

Competitors had to be young men, free (not slaves), who could speak Greek, and who were prepared to swear before Zeus that they had spend ten months training for the competition. Women were considered offensive to the god Zeus, so they were excluded. If women were caught watching, they would be punished, especially because men had to compete naked whilst competing in events. This is one of the reasons why women were not allowed to watch.

One exception: Women and older men were allowed to put their horses in for the chariot race. The owner of the horses got the prize.

Answer 3

Only amateur athletes are supposed to be allowed to compete.

Answer 4

Only men and boys were considered worthy of entering the Games.

Answer 5

the people that weren't allowed to compete were mostly greek and italian assasins as they were considered....... TURTLES

Answer 6

Male citizens of Greek city-states.

Answer 7

only men