古代奥运会的独特之处：一顿豪华的文化大餐

Spectators at the Ancient Games

古代的奥运会可以说是热闹非凡。除了前来观看的富人、官员和平民，商人们会把自己的东西拿来卖。运动会的活动也不仅仅只有竞技比赛而已，宗教仪式、著名哲学家的演讲和诗歌朗诵等都是必不可少的环节。观众会在热烈的气氛中享受一顿豪华的文化大餐。

The Olympic festival brought huge numbers of visitors to Olympia. Most people slept outside, under the stars, although the wealthy and members of official delegations erected elaborate tents and pavilions. Merchants, craftsmen and food vendors arrived to sell their wares. The busy schedule included religious ceremonies, including sacrifices, speeches by well-known philosophers, poetry recitals, parades, banquets and victory celebrations.

The wealthy attempted to outdo each other in lavish displays. The Syracusan tyrant Dionysius sent several expensive four-horse chariot teams, beautifully decorated tents, and professional actors to recite poetry he himself had written. At first, people gawked with admiration, and when the reciters started, the listeners were enchanted by the pleasing voices. But when they observed how poor Dionysius' verses were, they began to laugh scornfully, and some people even dared to rifle the tents.

Other political figures were more warmly welcomed by the crowds, just as we like to spot celebrities at sporting events today.