Final answer:
Chariot races were included in the Nemean games due to their emphasis on war-related skills and popularity. Fame, fortune, and factional fandom contributed to the inclusion of chariot racing in major games, making it a cultural spectacle.
Step-by-step explanation:
There was likely to be a chariot race in the Nemean games due to the event's historical emphasis on skills that were necessary for war, such as running, jumping, throwing, and wrestling.
Over time, sports that included horses, like chariot racing, became part of these ancient competitions. Chariot racing was a popular sport, revered in the empire, with the Nemean games being one of the platforms that hosted such races as referenced in Homer's Iliad which speaks of similar athletic contests.
Fame and fortune were significant driving factors for the participants in chariot races. Charioteers could earn immense sums of money and receive widespread acclaim, allowing them to leave inscriptions and records of their victories and lives, much like other wealthy and elite citizens of Rome.
Moreover, the existence of different factions, such as the Blues, Greens, Reds, and Whites, stimulated fandom, creating a vibrant cultural spectacle that made chariot racing an inevitable feature in major games including the Nemean.
The Nemean games, like other ancient sports events, mirrored societal values and the importance of war skills. Chariot racing was a suitable addition to the games, providing not just entertainment but also reflecting the martial prowess and competency of the participants and the prosperity of the empire.