A brief look into the origin of the Olympics

Thinking about taking a summer trip? cheap holidays to Greece are easier to find than ever. You’ll quickly be soaking up the sun and local culture while wandering amongst historical ruins, some of which have been restored from ancient times. With the recent stir of the Olympic Games, you may be asking yourself just how the Olympics got its start. The first Olympic Games on record were held almost 3,000 years ago in 776BC, but it is generally believed they had been taking place for many years prior. They were held at the sanctuary of Zeus in the ancient village of Olympia in the company of several city-state and kingdom representatives. Any conflicts between the participating territories were postponed until the games were over. While there was only one event at these games, consisting of a 192 metre run, the Olympics occurred every four years and continued to grow for the next 12 centuries. The events that followed also emphasized running, which was thought to indicate the essential requirements for a suitable soldier. Eventually wrestling, boxing, the pentathlon and chariot racing came about, with armour making an appearance in 520BC. Only free men who spoke Greek were allowed to compete and in order to participate, were made to take an oath in front of the statue of Zeus, vowing they had undergone training for ten months. The Games were considered to be of the utmost religious significance and highlighted ritual sacrifices along with sporting events; many ceremonies and artistic competitions honoring Zeus and the mythical king of Olympia, Pelops. The statue of Zeus that was erected in the Olympic stadium was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Competitors were restricted to male athletes except for women who were permitted to enter horses in the equestrian events. Winners at the Games became highly regarded, bringing great honor to their home towns, oftentimes becoming immortalized in statues and writings. Victors were also awarded an olive branch and other gifts, such as money or vats of olive oil. There is still no consensus as to when the Ancient Games officially ended, but many suggest it was in 393AD when emperor Theodosius suppressed all pagan cults and traditions as part of the crusade to establish Christianity as the official religion of Rome. It wasn’t until almost 1500 years later, that the French aristocrat, Pierre de Coubertin, initiated the Games revival.