古代的奧運會可以說是熱鬧非凡。除了前來觀看的富人、官員和平民，商人們會把自己的東西拿來賣。運動會的活動也不僅僅只有競技比賽而已，宗教儀式、著名哲學家的演講和詩歌朗誦等都是必不可少的環節。觀眾會在熱烈的氣氛中享受一頓豪華的文化大餐。

The Olympic festival brought huge numbers of visitors to Olympia. Most people slept outside, under the stars, although the wealthy and members of official delegations erected elaborate tents and pavilions. Merchants, craftsmen and food vendors arrived to sell their wares. The busy schedule included religious ceremonies, including sacrifices, speeches by well-known philosophers, poetry recitals, parades, banquets and victory celebrations.

The wealthy attempted to outdo each other in lavish displays. The Syracusan tyrant Dionysius sent several expensive four-horse chariot teams, beautifully decorated tents, and professional actors to recite poetry he himself had written. At first, people gawked with admiration, and when the reciters started, the listeners were enchanted by the pleasing voices. But when they observed how poor Dionysius' verses were, they began to laugh scornfully, and some people even dared to rifle the tents.

Other political figures were more warmly welcomed by the crowds, just as we like to spot celebrities at sporting events today.

（南開大學通訊員孫偉 王樂迪投稿） 

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