The first Olympic Games were held in Olympia in Greece in 776 BC They took place every 4 years and were held in honour of the Greek Gods. All the events of the Olympic Games were connected to war. They included boxing, wrestling, javelin and discus throwing, running, jumping and chariot racing. The ancient Olympic Games continued until about AD 394.

The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece in A French man by the name Pierre de Coubertin came up with the idea of reviving this competition. He thought that bringing young athletes together from all over the world would help bring world peace. Only 13 countries were represented at the First modern Olympic Games. The games have been held every 4 years since, except in 1916 during World War 1 and in 1940 and 1944 during World War 2.

The Olympics began as a summer games. The First Winter Olympics were held in 1924 Up until 1994 the Winter and Summer Olympics were held at the same time. Now the Winter and Summer Olympics are held 2 years apart.

The Olympic flag was first used in Belgium in 1920 It has 5 interlocking rings The rings represent the 5 continents that came together for the Olympic Games – Africa, Asia, America, Australasia and Europe. The colours of the rings are blue, yellow, black, green and red.

The idea of the Olympic flame began during the ancient Olympic Games. The flame was lit for each Olympics and burned constantly during the Games. The flame travels from Greece to the city where the Olympic Games will take place.

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