The Olympic Games.

History of the Olympic Games.

In ancient Greece athletic festivals were very important and had strong religious associations. The Olympian athletic festival held every four years in honour of Zeus.

The Games took place in August on the plain by Mount Olympus. Many thousands of spectators gathered from all parts of Greece. Slaves, women and dishonoured person were not allowed to compete.

There were boys’ gymnastics, horse-racing, foot races, javelin throwing, boxing and wrestling.

On the sixth and last day, all the victors were crowned with holy garlands of wild olive from a sacred wood.

After the 1908 London Olympics, success was re-established and nations sent their best representatives. In times of peace, the Games have taken place ever since at four-yearly intervals. In Munich in 1972, competitors from more than 120 countries were watched by huge crowds.