The First Greek Olympics

The emergence of the first Greek Olympics Games can be traced back to 776 B.C honoring the twelve Olympian gods. The primary function of the Olympic Games was to commemorate Zeus, the father of the Greek gods and goddesses, in a religious festival. The games took place in the sacred valley of Olympia, Greece, in the western part of Peloponnese. According to Greek Mythology, this is the island of Pelops, which was believed to be the founder of the Olympic Games. Olympia was a place where gods and goddesses would meet at this sacred place to worship and also for political and religious practices. The central part was dominated by the temple of Zeus and parallel to it was the temple of Hera, Zeus wife. The people that came to this sanctuary shared the same religious beliefs. The Olympic Games was an important event that was held every four years. The games were a time of union, grandeur, excellence, internationalism and history. All of the contestants came from different parts of the Greek world to compete for the definitive prize which was the olive wreath and also to return to their city-state as heroes and to bring honor to themselves and their families. When the games started only male citizens were allowed to participate, regardless of their social status. The games gave males the opportunity

As mentioned, the Olympic Games began as part of a religious festival that were held in honor of the god Zeus. Each year they would choose a particular god and during the games they would honor this god near their sanctuary. The games lasted five days, but out of this five days one day was used to say a solemn oath to Zeus and the second day was used to make a sacrifice for the god Zeus. The athletes would pray to the gods for victory and if they were successful they would dedicate their victory crown in the temple of the god. Later on, religion played an important role for the end of the Ancient Olympic