Olympia

Olympia was nothing like I expected . I thought the early games  were small groups of arheletes competing in front of a few people. Olympia was a small city with  huge gymnasiums, temples, massive fountains. heated baths, housing, etc, the games were a BIG deal. The stadium is awe inspiring. We entered through arched gates ( where the athletes did ) . It's about the size of a football field. The surrounding sloped fields were for spectators, holding  45,000 people. The only stone seats were for the judges. Karen stands at the starting line, a marble strip. Winners at the ancient games received land, front row seats at the theater and future games, and were forgiven all taxes for life . 

An earthquake destroyed the city around the birth of Christ.