An olive wreath at Olympia
The ancient Olympic Games were held at the sanctuary of Olympia in honor of Zeus. The program changed over time and included footraces, wrestling, boxing, the pentathlon, pankration, and equestrian events, including chariot races.
Illustration is AI-generated and conceptual, not an archaeological reconstruction.
The official prize for a victor at Olympia was the kotinos, a wreath made from wild olive branches. Victory also brought fame to the athlete and their home city; cities could honor victors and grant privileges or monetary rewards. Thus, “victors received only a wreath” refers to the official prize at the contest, not all later honors.