A History of Celebrities

Celebrities have been a major part of culture for thousands of years, but the celebrity image has drastically changed. Long ago, the biggest celebrities were monarchs or war heroes. A political accomplishment was the easiest way of gain fame.

The earliest celebrities that come the closest to those of today were those of the Greek times. Olympic athletes were given the star treatment. According to Dr. Hans van Wees, a professor at University College London, athletes "were not only widely talked about, but were given the equivalent of red-carpet treatment.
These athletes were given life-long free meals and hymns of praise performed by famous poets in their honor. This type of treatment is very similar to the pampering many celebrities are given today.

Celebrities have been given the "star treatment" since the beginning; however, it has only been recently where society has exploited them. Over the last few decades, society has not only built up celebrities, but torn them down as well. One of the most recent examples is Britney Spears.

A celebrity that had everything, slowly broke under the constant watchful eye of the public. Celebrities have become figures that we all look up to, but at the same time, love to see fail. The way we see celebrities has come a long way since the time of the Romans and Greeks, but their god-like treatment still continues.
Sources:
BBC