What was the role of women in the ancient Olympic Games, and were they allowed to compete?

Women in ancient Greece were not given the same opportunities as men, and sports were no exception. Women were not allowed to participate in the ancient Olympic Games, which were exclusively for male athletes. However, women did have their own athletic competitions, known as the Heraean Games, which were held every four years in Olympia. These games were in honor of the goddess Hera and were organized by women, for women.

The events in the Heraean Games were limited to foot races, ranging from 1/3 to 1/4 of the length of the men's races. The victors were awarded olive wreaths, like the male athletes. These games were not as prestigious as the Olympics, but they were an important opportunity for women to display their athletic prowess and compete against their peers.

It wasn't until the modern Olympic Games were revived in the late 19th century that women were allowed to compete. The first women's events were held in the 1900 Paris Olympics, and since then, the number of events for women has continued to grow.