Welcome to the Ancient Olympic Games
The first ancient Olympic Games can be traced back to Olympia in 776 BC. Full passion and extraordinary feats of athletic endeavour, the Olympic Games were the sporting, social and cultural highlight of the Ancient Greek calendar for almost 12 centuries.
The history of the Ancient Olympic Games
Read the fascinating history of the Olympics, including rituals and origins of the ancient Greek Olympics. As a sacred place used regularly in religious ceremonies, as well as playing host to the ancient games, Olympia was at the centre of Greek civilisation.
Top ten facts about the ancient Olympic Games
Feb 11, 2021 · The first ancient Olympic Games took place almost 2,800 years ago in the town of Olympia. They were the oldest, and largest, of the four PanHellenic Games - four separate sports festivals held in ancient Greece.
The ancient Olympic Games, as far as we know today, have a long history. It all began in Greece, in the Peloponnese about 3,000 years ago. According to existing historic manuscripts, the first ancient Olympic Games were celebrated in 776 BC in Olympia. The y were dedicated to the Greek god Zeus and took place in the same place . every four years.
The History of the Olympic Games
Jan 11, 2024 · The first written evidence of the official Games dates from 776 BC, when the Greeks began measuring time in Olympiads, or the duration between each edition of the Olympic Games. The first Olympic Games were held every four years in honour of the god Zeus.
Ancient Olympic Sports - running, long jump, discus, pankration
The ancient Olympic Games were initially a one-day event until 684 BC, when they were extended to three days. In the 5th century B.C., the Games were extended again to cover five days. The ancient Games included running, long jump, shot put, javelin, boxing, pankration and equestrian events.
The all-time greats of the Ancient Olympic Games
The all-time greats of the Ancient Olympic Games A magical collection of characters light up the accounts of almost 12 centuries of action at the Ancient Games. Huge, heroic men caught the attention with the stars of the combat sports particularly adored.
A spectator’s guide to the Ancient Olympic Games
Ancient Olympic Games expert Paul Christesen reveals what life would have been like for the spectators at Olympia. From taking advantage of the Olympic truce to hearing the latest works from the famous historian Herodotus and enjoying a giant, 24-hour BBQ, it is easy to see why the Games were a key date in the diary for Greeks everywhere.
Athens 1896 Summer Olympics - Athletes, Medals & Results
The first celebration of the modern Olympic Games took place in its ancient birthplace - Greece. The Games attracted athletes from 14 nations, with the largest delegations coming from Greece, Germany, France and Great Britain.
Boxing - Ancient Olympic Games
At first, Olympic boxers wore soft ox-leather woven around their hands and wrists. This encouraged quick, agile attacking boxing. Through Roman times and beyond, however, the leather became harder and at times lead studs were even added.