Beginning of Essay
Prior to the opening ceremonies of each festival, messengers were dispatched to the far corners of the Mediterranean and Asia Minor to announce the coming of the games. Only free citizens of Greek blood were allowed to participate but 'barbarians' and slaves were ....

Middle of Essay
.... was called between all warring cities. This allowed every athlete to enter the games safely and promoted a sense of unity among an otherwise quarreling group of states. Beginning in the 6th century BCE, Olympia became the premier venue for the signing of inter-city treaties. These gatherings clearly created a sense of unity, and the symbol of the naked body helped to produce a feeling of pride among the Greeks. Economically, a great deal of trade revolved around the festivals and it undoubtedly continued even after they completed. Pindar and Bacchylides, choral lyric poets, composed victory odes honnoring famous victors (who also happened ....