The Story of the Olympic Games A Journey to Ancient Greece

The first Olympic Games took place in Olympia about 3000 years ago. Olympia was in the south west of Greece. People visited Olympia to worship Zeus and Hera. They were Greek Gods

Some people believe that Zeus’s son, Herakles, started the games The Romans called him Hercules

Some believe that the games were in memory of a chariot racer called Prince Pelops.

The Olympic games probably began as part of a festival in honour of Zeus.

At first there was only one event; a running race. The track was wide enough for 20 people and was 190 metres long.

Only men took part in the games: women had their own festival called the Heraia. Married women were not allowed to watch the games – only men and unmarried women!

Traditionally, the Greek athletes were naked Traditionally, the Greek athletes were naked. It gave them a chance to show off their muscular bodies.

Spectators came from other countries to watch. The games were held at Olympia every four years. The four year time span was called an Olympiad. Spectators came from other countries to watch.

In 456BC the Temple of Zeus was built in Olympia In 456BC the Temple of Zeus was built in Olympia. More people came to the games as they all wanted to see the statue of Zeus! The statue was 13m tall!

After 100 years the original race had been added to, and there were 18 events. The first event was the chariot race and one of the most popular events was the pentathlon. The pentathlon is made up of five sports: running, wrestling, long jump, javelin and discus.

In the modern Olympics, winners are given medals in but, in Ancient Greece, winners were awarded a crown of olive leaves.

His soldiers destroyed the Temple of Zeus. The Olympic Games continued for many years but eventually a Roman Emperor, named Theodosius I, banned them. His soldiers destroyed the Temple of Zeus.

Olympia fell into ruin. There was an earthquake and a flood and the original ruins were buried and hidden underground It remained hidden for more than 1000 years and there wasn’t another Olympic Games until 1896. This time the Olympics were international and took place in the Greek city of Athens.

The modern Olympic Games was started by a Frenchman called Baron Pierre de Coubertin. He designed the famous logo with five coloured rings. These represent the continents of the world joined in peace and harmony.

De Coubertin also wrote the Olympic creed, which explained what he thought the Olympics were all about.

Months before the Olympics begin, a flame is lit in Olympia and is passed through a relay of torches. The torches are carried to the chosen stadium. During the opening ceremony the last torch lights a cauldron, which burns throughout the Games

The Olympics are now the biggest sporting event in the world . There are lots of events and sports to participate in. There is a Winter Games every four years too.

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