What prizes did the winners get in the ancient Olympic Games?
In each of the eight events contested on the plain of Troy, material prizes are offered to each competitor, including tripods, cauldrons, valuable metal, oxen, and women. Each city greeted its victor(s) with celebrations that included assembled crowds and special gestures of honor. An athlete’s victory in the games meant a god favored him and, like the heroes and warriors who came before him, he was immortalized for his accomplishments. Upon returning home, victors could receive monetary rewards of varying sizes, among other awards. These might include exemption from taxation, inscription of their names in public places, the privilege to fight along side the king, and free meals at the Prytaneion for the rest of their lives. Different cities and time periods proffered different rewards and forms of recognition.
