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How were winners honored at the ancient Olympic Games?
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medal
Pierre and Marie Curie depicted on the obverse of a medal from the Unio Internationalis Contra Cancrum (International Union Against Cancer) commemorating the Curies' discovery of radium in 1898.
At the ancient Olympic Games, winners were not awarded medals, as the modern practice of awarding gold, silver, and bronze medals is a contemporary development.1
Instead, the only official prize bestowed upon a victor at Olympia was a wreath or garland. Despite the simplicity of this physical prize, the honor associated with victory was immense. Champions received widespread adulation and were often granted lavish benefits and rewards by their home cities upon their return. The final day of the Games was traditionally dedicated to a closing ceremony that included the presentation of these prizes and a celebratory banquet for the champions.23