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Bringing the "Kotinos" from Olympia to Crete

The count down to the Olympics Games of Athens in 2004 has already started. There is a widespread sense of optimism that these Games are going to actually revive the spirit of this major athletic event that originated from ancient Olympia of Greece.

Olympic Games - Cretan Winners antiquity

Crete, the age old cross road of civilizations, the cradle of knowledge and the cornerstone of modern Europe, is awarded a leading role in the events as its major town, Heraklion, has been nominated Olympic city to host the first events of the Olympic Games. Renowned historical figures from Crete left their indelible marks in numerous ancient Olympic Games either as organizers or as athletes. Historical records provide incontestable proof that many ancient athletes from Crete returned to the island crowned with the “Kotinos”, the olive branch wreath awarded to Olympic winners.

Cretans have a tradition in taking the winners’ stand during Olympic Games, particularly in track events, a fact which is associated with the particular geomorphology of the Cretan terrain imposing “survival of the fittest” conditions. It is no accident that track competitors were pooled from the young and robust members of the Cretan populace. Cretan runners were distinguished for their speed and entitled to carry arms. This qualified them as military couriers who covered fast long distances on foot that were also combat ready.

Full article in STIGMES issue no 64

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