When were the first Olympic Games held?
The first recorded ancient Olympic Games were held in 776 BC in Olympia, Greece. The first modern Olympics took place in Athens in 1896.
The ancient Olympics were held every four years in honor of Zeus at the sanctuary of Olympia in the western Peloponnese. At first, the only event was a footrace of about 192 meters, called the stadion. Over time, events like wrestling, boxing, chariot racing and the pentathlon were added. Winners received olive wreaths.
Only free Greek men could compete, and athletes usually competed naked. A sacred truce allowed athletes and spectators to travel safely to the Games. The ancient Olympics continued for more than a thousand years, until they were banned around AD 393 by the Roman emperor Theodosius I.
The modern Olympics
French educator Pierre de Coubertin revived the Games, and 241 athletes from 14 nations competed in Athens in 1896. The first Winter Olympics were held in Chamonix, France, in 1924. Los Angeles will host the Summer Games in 2028, and Brisbane in 2032.
Did You Know?
The Olympic flame is lit at Olympia using the Sun's rays and a curved mirror, then carried by torch relay to the host city.