Athletic Competitions in Ancient Greece

The Olympic Games were not the only athletic competitions organised in Ancient Greece. A separate competition, called the Heraia, was held at Olympia in which young women competed. There were different age divisions, though the only event was foot-racing. It was held every four years, but in different years to the Olympics. It was held to honour Hera, Zeus' wife. Women did not compete naked, but wore tunics coming down to a little above the knee. Similar games were also held at Delphi in honour of Apollo, at Nemea in honour of Zeus, and at Isthmia in honour of Poseidon. They were timed so that every year there was at least one competition on.