Founding of the Panhellenic Games: What Happened
Between 582 and 573 BC, the Olympic Games were joined by three other great athletic festivals, creating a circuit of competitions open to all Greeks. The Pythian Games at Delphi, honoring Apollo, were reorganized as a major contest in 582 BC after the First Sacred War. The Isthmian Games near Corinth, honoring Poseidon, were established on a larger scale around the same time. The Nemean Games in the northeastern Peloponnese, honoring Zeus, followed in 573 BC. Together with the Olympic Games, they became known as the Panhellenic Games, meaning games for all Greeks. The four festivals were spaced so that at least one took place every year. Winners received wreaths rather than money: olive at Olympia, laurel at Delphi, pine or celery at Isthmia, and wild celery at Nemea. An athlete who won all four was called a periodonikes, the greatest honor in Greek sport. Beyond athletics, the Delphi games included music and poetry contests. These festivals brought rival city-states together and helped build a shared Greek identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the Panhellenic Games?
The Panhellenic Games were four great athletic festivals open to all Greeks: the Olympic, Pythian, Isthmian and Nemean Games. Together they formed a circuit held at different sanctuaries.
Where were the Panhellenic Games held?
The Olympic Games were held at Olympia, the Pythian Games at Delphi, the Isthmian Games near Corinth and the Nemean Games at Nemea in the northeastern Peloponnese.
What prizes did winners receive?
Winners received wreaths rather than money: olive at Olympia, laurel at Delphi, pine or celery at Isthmia, and wild celery at Nemea. They were celebrated as heroes at home.
What was a periodonikes?
A periodonikes was an athlete who won at all four Panhellenic Games. It was the highest honor in Greek sport, similar to winning a grand slam.
Did the Panhellenic Games include more than sport?
Yes. The Pythian Games at Delphi also included music and poetry contests, reflecting their dedication to Apollo, god of music and the arts.
