The Heraea was an ancient Greek festival held in honor of the goddess Hera. It took place in Olympia, where the famous Olympic Games were also celebrated. The festival featured athletic competitions exclusively for women, showcasing their skills and promoting female participation in sports. The Heraea included events such as foot races, where young women competed in various distances. This festival was significant as it provided a platform for women to engage in athleticism and celebrate their own achievements, contrasting with the male-dominated Olympic Games that excluded female athletes.