Question

Olympic Games

The Olympic Games have their origins in ancient Greece, which hosted a religious festival for Zeus, the king of the gods. The earliest recorded games occurred in 776 BCE, and the Greeks hosted the event in Olympia. The site was part of a sanctuary on the Peloponnese peninsula, and the event is viewed as the start of the longest running and most celebrated athletic competition worldwide.

For the ancient Greeks, the games were a continuation of a tradition begun by Heracles, a storied hero in Greek myth and legend. According to their beliefs, Heracles started the competition to honor Zeus following the completion of his Twelve Labors. Of course, the historical accuracy of this origin story is debated, as they cannot be definitely proven, leaving the origins largely unknown.

When they began, the Olympic games lasted just one day and included only one event, the stadion, which was a footrace that spanned the length of the Olympic stadium, nearly 200 meters. As the games went on, the Greeks added more competitions, such as wrestling, boxing, chariot racing, and a multi-sport competition that consisted of running, a long jump, the discus throw, the javelin throw, and wrestling. As they added more competitions to the games, the event stretched to several days. Ancient Greeks celebrated the Olympic games every four years, just like we do today.

Though focused on athletic skill, the Olympics were originally more than just a competition. They were a way for Greeks to come together and celebrate their religion and culture. Alongside the games, Greeks offered sacrifices to Zeus. In fact, the games were so important that they functioned as a religious holiday, even prompting a brief truce during the festival to ensure that athletes and spectators could travel to the games safely. This sacred truce was respected by Greeks from every region.

Ancient Greeks continued to celebrate the Olympic games until 393 CE, when a Roman ruler named Theodosius I decided to ban all religious festivals outside Christianity. The games were not held again for more than 1500 years. In 1896, a modern revival of the games garnered attention and the modern Olympic Games were born.

Question

Though focused on athletic skill, the Olympics were originally more than just a competition. They were a way for Greeks to come together and celebrate their religion and culture. Alongside the games, Greeks offered sacrifices to Zeus. In fact, the games were so important that they functioned as a religious holiday, even prompting a brief truce during the festival to ensure that athletes and spectators could travel to the games safely. This sacred truce was respected by Greeks from every region.

What is the meaning of the word truce as used in this passage?
Responses

A a temporary cease firea temporary cease fire

B guaranteed safe passageguaranteed safe passage

C mutual cessation of warmutual cessation of war

D permanent accords of safety

Answers

GPT-4o mini
The correct response is:

B guaranteed safe passage

In the context of the passage, the "truce" refers to a temporary agreement to cease hostilities or conflicts, allowing athletes and spectators to travel safely to the Olympic Games.