Olympic Showdown: Ancient Greece vs. London 2012

By Dominique Ritter (Reader's Digest Canada, August 2012)Updated: Jul. 27, 2012

Did the Ancient Greeks have better Olympics than we do in the 21st century? Find out how the B.C. Olympiads compare to the 2012 London Games.

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Slogan

Ancient Greece: The Woodstock of Antiquity (unofficial)

London 2012: Inspire a Generation

Figurehead

Ancient Greece: Zeus, supreme ruler of gods and men. Known for loving the ladies, being capricious and making thunderbolts.

London 2012: Wenlock, all-seeing one-eyed mascot. Known for loving sports, having fun and making friends.

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Big Business

Ancient Greece: Sacrifices and rituals took up as much time as the Games.

London 2012: Estimated £8.8 billion for stadium, Olympic Village, infrastructure and marketing.

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Keeping it clean

Ancient Greece: Athletes swore an oath upon slices of boar’s flesh that they wouldn’t “sin against the Olympic Games.”

London 2012: Approximately 6,200 drug tests will be carried out by 1,000 agents.

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Opening ceremonies

Ancient Greece: Processions, incantations and incense-burning. Gods placated with animal sacrifices.

London 2012: Staging of pastoral British scene by Trainspotting director Danny Boyle. Animal rights groups angered by plan to use real farm animals.

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Aristocratic attendance

Ancient Greece: Aristotle was a fan; Plato loved watching wrestling; Sophocles was into handball.

London 2012: Queen Elizabeth II will open the Games; her equestrian granddaughter Zara Phillips will compete.

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Non-starters

Ancient Greece: Married women, who were banned from participating in or watching the Games.

London 2012: Elmo, whose status as a puppet didn’t deter 5,500 Facebook supporters from encouraging his Olympic bid.

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The spoils

Ancient Greece: Official prize: Wreath of olive branches. Bonuses: Cash, prime theatre seats, vats of olive oil and occasionally a priesthood.

London 2012: Official prize: Medal. Bonuses: Endorsements, public-speaking engagements, occasional dalliance with model/starlet.

Originally Published: July 25, 2012