The Ancient Olympics

The Greek Olympics, thought to have begun in 776 BC, inspired the modern Olympic
Games (begun in 1896) The Games were held in honour of Zeus, king of the gods, and were
staged every four years at Olympia, a valley near a city called Elis.

The Olympic Games

The Olympic Games began over 2,700 years ago in Olympia, in southwest Greece. The Games
were part of a religious festival. The Greek Olympics, thought to have begun in 776 BC, inspired
the modern Olympic Games (begun in 1896) The Games were held in honour of Zeus, king of
the gods, and were staged every four years at Olympia, a valley near a city called Elis. People
from all over the Greek world came to watch and take part.

Boxing.
Equestrian events. Chariot racing. Riding.
Pankration.
Pentathlon. Discus. Javelin. Jump. Running. Wrestling.
Running.
Wrestling.

It seems fairly clear that by the late 8th century nudity was common for the male contestants.
Although the ancient Games were staged in Olympia, Greece, from 776 BC through 393 AD, it
took 1503 years for the Olympics to return. The first modern Olympics were held in Athens,
Greece, in 1896.

By:

Ryan Christopher Austria BSBA MM

John Rey Anito BFA Adv.