With the Olympics just around the corner, what better way to celebrate than to pay homage to its surprising history? The Try Guys decided to test their strength, endurance, and shamelessness and recreate the ancient Olympic games:
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Special thanks to the Getty Villa, Shelby Brown, PhD and Desiree Zenowich for educating us on the rich history of the ancient Greek games.
The Olympic Games were called that because they took place in Olympia, originating in 776 B.C. They were originally a religious festival meant as a way for men to prepare for war.
After over 1,000 years of Olympics, they ended in the late 4th century A.D., under Christianity (since the various Games were associated with pagan gods). There was a very long period without them, but they were later reinvented in the 19th century.
Since the guys were trying to keep things ~historically accurate,~ that meant they would have to compete naked. Literally with their dicks and balls out.
Also, athletes rubbed their naked bodies in olive oil before they competed. Lots and lots of olive oil.
Oh yeah, and the ancient Greeks also valued the foreskin of the penis (they weren't circumcised) and would tie it up with a string or cord called a kynodesme to, you know, keep it from floppin' around during the events.
To reiterate: you were butt-ass naked. Smothered in olive oil. With your dick tied up with a string. Before you even did anything.
Also, only men could compete in the Olympics (sorry, ladies).
Although the Try Guys couldn't compete in all the historical events, they recreated three events from the pentathlon (long jump, discus throwing, and wrestling), and a 200 meter footrace.
First up was long jump (halma), which was very different in ancient times. It included running about 10 meters and propelling yourself forward using hand weights.
The next event was discus (diskos). Unlike modern discus, ancient throwers did not spin around in circles to gain momentum for their throw, which makes it way tougher to throw long distances.
The third event was wrestling (palé), which is, overall, the most similar to how we wrestle today, except you did it in the dirt. And, you know, still naked.
So yes, you got very, very dirty, so add filthy on top of sweaty and oiled up.
Speaking of discomfort for the athletes, you could get flogged by officials if you were caught cheating or with a false start. That's right: in front of everybody, you'd get your ass beat.
Finally, it was time for the 200m race (stadion). In the ancient Olympics, being the fastest athlete was valued over all other events.
Another huge difference between the ancient and modern Olympics is that there was only one winner for each event. Second and third place didn't exist: it was a single victor, and everyone else was pretty much a loser.
You'd win a wreath, a palm, and ribbons. No money. No medals. No endorsement deals. Basically, a victor won leaves.
And the final tradition the guys participated in? Well, things got a little gross. The victors would scrape the oil, sweat, and dirt off of their bodies, collecting the goop (gloios) and selling it for its healing powers.
In conclusion, the Olympics were incredibly different in ancient Greece, since you won't be seeing naked wrestling or buying a medalist's body goop in Rio this year.*
Anything can happen when you're watching something that has continued to be as special, inspiring, and historic as the Olympic Games.
What in the world will the Try Guys try next?
