The Greek Olympics 

The ancient Greek Olympics were big sports events held to honor Zeus and other gods. It also glorified the skills of men. They started in 776 BCE in a place called Olympia, in Greece. The Olympics were part of a big religious festival for Zeus and were held in a large temple dedicated to Zeus. 

Athletes from different parts of Greece would come to compete. These many athletes came from different city-states like Athens, Sparta, and Corinth. They competed in events like running races, wrestling, boxing, and horse races. One event, called the pentathlon, had five sports: running, jumping, throwing the javelin, and wrestling. The winners of the games were given a crown made of olive leaves, which was a huge honor. The first Olympic event was just a foot race, which was about 192 meters long. As the years passed, more events were added. The athletes competed without clothes, which was meant to celebrate their strength and bodies. Only men could compete in the games, and women weren’t allowed to participate or even watch most of the events. However, women did have their own smaller games called the “Heraea Games” in Olympia, where they ran races. 

The Olympics were important for more than just sports. They were a way to show off strength and skill. Winners became heroes in their hometowns and sometimes got big rewards, like free food for life or statues made for them. The games also helped bring peace between city-states. During the Olympics, all fighting stopped so athletes and visitors could travel safely to Olympia. This was called the Olympic Truce. The Olympics happen every four years and went on for about 1,200 years, until 393 CE when the Roman Emperor stopped them. Although it had ended, it was not forgotten. In 1896, a man named Pierre de Coubertin from France started the modern Olympics, bringing back the idea of the Olympic games and was the inspiration for the Olympics we watch today.