Who was forbidden to attend the first Olympic Games under penalty death?

Women were forbidden to attend the first Olympic Games in ancient Greece, which began in 776 BC. This exclusion was rooted in the belief that the games were a male-only event, celebrating athletic prowess and physical Excellence. In some regions, women faced severe penalties, including death, if they were found to have attended the games. However, there were exceptions; for instance, unmarried women could attend the games held in honor of the goddess Hera.