Q&A
Could women compete in the ancient Olympics?
SHORT ANSWER
Not only could they not take part, most women weren’t even allowed into the arena
LONG ANSWER
Kyniska, a Spartan princess, was the first woman to win at the ancient Olympics, twice claiming the equivalent of a gold medal (a crown of olive leaves) in the tethrippon, or four-horse chariot racing, in 396 and 392 BC. is was something of a loophole as she won on account of owning and breeding the horses, not taking part in the actual games.
In truth, women could not participate in the ancient Olympics (or even watch, if they were married) on penalty of death. The only female spectators allowed were young unmarried women and the priestess of Demeter, who was given a place of honour next to the altar. e restriction didn’t stop one determined mother sneaking in, though.
Kallipateira of Rhodes disguised herself as a male trainer so she could watch her son in the boxing. When caught, she wasn’t punished – her grandfather was a king, after all – but the rules were changed so that trainers were required to strip before entering the arena to prove their manhood.
102
The number of years, ending in 2006, Japan was technically at war with Montenegro since the latter had not been mentioned in the peace treaty that ended the Russo-Japanese War (1904–05).