In 776 B.C. the first Olympic Games were held at the foot of mount Olympus to honor the Greeks’ chief god, Zeus. The Greeks emphasized physical fitness
and strength in their education of youth. Therefore contests in running, jumping, discus and javelin throwing, boxing and horse and chariot racing were held in individual cities and the winners competed every four years at Mount Olympus. Winners were greatly honored by heaving olive wreaths placed on their heads by the elders and honoured citizens and having poems sung about their deeds. Originally these were held as friendship, and any wars in progress were halted to allow the games take place. The Greek attached so much importance to this games, that they calculated time in four-year cycles called «Olympiads» dating from 776 B.C.



1. Which of the following is not true?

A. Winners placed olive wreaths on their own heads.

B. The games were held in Greece every four years.

C. Battles were interrupted to allow the games take place.

D. Poets glorified the winners in song.



2. Why were the Olympic Games held?

A. To stop wars.

B. To honor Zeus.


C. To crown the best athletes.

D. To sing song about the athletes.



3. Approximately how many years ago did these games originate?

A. 776 years.

B. 1,205 years.


C. 2,277 years.

D. 2,760 years.



4. Which of the following contest was not mentioned?

A. Discus throwing.

B. Boxing.


C. Skating.

D. Running.



5. What conclusion can we draw about the ancient Greeks?

A. They liked to fight.

B. They were very athletic.

C. They liked a lot of ceremony.

D. They could not count, so they used «Olympiads» for dates.