Final answer:
A Greek chariot race or foot race was called a stadion, a term that also led to the modern word 'stadium'. These races were a central part of the ancient Olympic Games.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Greek chariot race or foot race was called a stadion, which was the centerpiece of the ancient games. Athletics in Ancient Greece emphasized skills necessary for war and with time, events that incorporated horses, such as chariot racing, became part of these competitions. The Olympic Games, held at the sanctuary in Olympia and dedicated to Zeus, featured the stadion race which was the precursor to the modern concept of a stadium.