Ancient Olympia and the Olympic Games
How the Games began in 776 BC, how they were run, and why the flame still comes from here.
Ancient Olympia is where the Olympic Games were born and held for almost a thousand years. Knowing the story makes the ruins come alive — the stadium, the temples and the training grounds are the stage on which it all happened. Here is the short history.
How the Games began
The first Olympic Games are traditionally dated to 776 BC, held in honour of Zeus at his sanctuary at Olympia. They were staged every four years — an interval called an Olympiad, which the Greeks used to count time — and grew from a single foot race into a programme of running, wrestling, boxing, the pentathlon, chariot and horse racing, and more. A sacred truce, the ekecheiria, let athletes and spectators travel safely to the Games from across the Greek world.
The athletes and the prizes
Competitors trained in the Palaestra and Gymnasion at Olympia and swore an oath to compete fairly at the Bouleuterion. Victors won no money — only a wreath of wild olive cut from a sacred tree, eternal fame, and often statues and honours back home. Olympia filled with such statues and with treasuries built by cities to display their offerings to Zeus.
The end of the Games and the modern flame
The ancient Games were finally abolished in AD 393, and Olympia was later buried by earthquakes and floods until rediscovered and excavated from the 19th century. When the modern Olympics revived the tradition, Olympia became its symbolic home: before each Games the flame is kindled at the Temple of Hera here and carried by relay to the host city, linking every modern Olympiad back to this valley.
Frequently asked
When were the first Olympic Games?
Traditionally in 776 BC, at the sanctuary of Zeus at Olympia, after which they were held every four years.
How long did the ancient Games last?
Almost a thousand years — from 776 BC until they were abolished in AD 393.
What did winners receive?
A wreath of wild olive and lasting fame, rather than money — though cities often rewarded their champions richly at home.
Why is the flame lit at Olympia?
As the birthplace of the Games, Olympia is the symbolic source of the modern Olympic flame, kindled at the Temple of Hera before each Games.