From Ancient Greece to London 2012 Olympics through Time From Ancient Greece to London 2012

Ancient Greek Olympics The Olympic Games began over 2,700 years ago in Olympia, in southwest Greece. The Games were part of a religious festival. The Greek Olympics, thought to have begun in 776 BC, inspired the modern Olympic Games (begun in 1896) The Games were held in honour of Zeus, king of the gods, and were staged every four years at Olympia, a valley near a city called Elis. People from all over the Greek world came to watch and take part.

The Beginning of the Modern Olympics There were a number of attempts to revive the Olympic games on the same scale of those within Ancient Greece. But the first was in 1896. Although it was small compared to today, 14 nations and 250 athletes took part, and it was the start of the modern Olympic era

Olympics in the 20th Century Often, the Olympics have been a reflection of the political or social tensions of the time. For example in 1936 the Olympics highlighted the rise of Nazi Germany And in 1972 the Olympics signified the tension between Israel and Palestine

1936 Berlin Olympics This was an opportunity for the Nazi party to show the world Aryan supremacy This Olympics raised awareness of the racist nature of the Nazi party, as only Aryans and non-Jews were allowed to compete for Germany.

1972 Olympics These games took place in Munich, and to rid the memory of the Nazi Olympics they were known as the ‘carefree games’ However political tensions between Israel and Palestine were evident when a Palestinian terrorist group kidnapped and killed 11 Israeli athletes.

1980 Olympics At this time there was political tension between the USA and Russia. Russia invaded Afghanistan in 1979, which angered the Americans and led to a boycott of the Moscow games by most non-Communist States

The Olympic ‘Boycott’ Games Instead, the USA organised an alternative Olympic games in Philadelphia for countries who wished to boycott the Olympics in Moscow. 29 countries took part in this Olympics.

2012 Olympics Venues- Events- There will be a mixture of new venues existing and temporary facilities. The majorities of the venues are divided into 3 zones in greater London: the Olympic Zone, the River Zone and the Central Zone. Events- 204 countries are expected to compete in 300 events. Ranging from track and field to rowing and sailing.