Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Which events were added to the ancient Olympic Games after the stade race?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Olympic Games
An actress playing the role of an Athenian high priestess lights the Olympic flame in Athens, October 31, 2017. The torch was later carried to Pyeongchang, South Korea, for the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Following the initial stade race, which was the sole event at the first recorded Olympic Games in 776 BCE, several other competitions were added to the program over the following centuries:
- 724 BCE: The diaulos, a two-length footrace, was introduced.12
- 720 BCE: The dolichos, a long-distance race, was added.12
- 708 BCE: Wrestling and the pentathlon—comprising the long jump, javelin throw, discus throw, a footrace, and wrestling—were introduced.12
- 688 BCE: Boxing was added.12
- 680 BCE: Chariot racing was included.12
- 648 BCE: The pankration, a no-holds-barred combat sport, was introduced.12
Between 632 and 616 BCE, events for boys were also established. Later additions included a footrace in which athletes ran in partial armor, as well as contests for heralds and trumpeters.12