Victory for Zeus: Testing the Brutal Reality of 4th Century BC Sports | GEDEON DOC

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After ten days of training, five teams of young European athletes will compete in the legendary stadium of Olympia... But who will find favor with the Gods?

After intensive training under the direction of Europe’s best coaches, the long-awaited moment has arrived: for two days, these young athletes from across Europe will face off in wrestling, running, javelin and discus throwing, long jump, and finally, races in arms.

The competitors face each other in the stadium of Olympia exactly as athletes knew it in the 4th century BC, before spectators and extras dressed in the traditional chlamys and coaches who, for the duration of the competition, have become hellanodikai—judges wearing red robes, a symbol of wisdom. Each athlete hopes to triumph and, crowned with olive leaves, offer their victory to Zeus.

OLYMPIA, WINNING FOR ZEUS
Directed by: Philippe Molins
Production: GEDEON Programmes, ARTE, City of Olympia
2004

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