The first Olympic Games were held in Olympia 2,000 yrs. ago. It was a 45 min bus ride to the site which consisted of ancient ruins and an amazing Archaeological Museum. We had a guided tour with an archaeologist who specializes in the Greek Classics. 
The site was a sanctuary and park to worship the God Zeus and his wife, Hera, who both were honoured with temples. The Olympics were hosted every four years and attracted some 40-50,000 spectators. The athletes were all chosen by judges to compete and entered the great stadium naked through an arched tunnel.
All spectators stood on mounds but the judges and dignitaries were seated in a box. Standing on the marble starting blocks one can only imagine the pride the competitors must have felt representing their city. As only the winner was recognized with honours like not paying taxes, getting a statue erected in one’s honour, economic perks, etc. the competition would have been intense. How did they deal with cheaters? They publicly shamed them and made them pay for a statue with their name, city they were from and a description of their infraction for all to see at the entrance to the Stadium. 
The museum has on exhibit of a 4th-century marble statue of Hermes of Praxiteles, a masterpiece of classical sculpture from the Temple of Hera.
There were so many wonderful sculptures, tools, pottery and other artifacts in the museum I wish I could have stayed longer and learned more. 
We had lunch in the small fishing village of Katakalon and walked along the one and only street chatting with the friendly merchants. We sampled some incredible honey produced in this region.
Diane’s Trips 