1. Ancient Greece

2.  The ancient Olympic Games were held every four years during the hottest days of summer  There were a lot fewer competitions than we see today  Women weren’t allowed to officially compete in the original Olympics or even in the first year of the modern Olympics.

3.  The ancient Olympics started out as a religious festival dedicated to the supreme Greek god, Zeus

4.  The first games in 776 B.C.E had just one contest, the footrace.  There weren’t any gold, sliver or bronze metals, the winner receive an olive branch.  Over the years new contest popped up:  Javelin  Jumping  Running  Discus  Wrestling  Equestrian (horseback riding)  Boxing  Chariot race

5.  Sacrifices were made to the gods during competition.

6.  When the Romans conquered Greece, the Olympic Games took a turn for the worse.  The Olympics were abolished (banned) in 393 C.E.

7.  The modern Olympic Games were revived (started again) in 1894 by the French Baron Pierre de Coubertin  The Olympic Flame was introduced in 1928.  These days the Olympics symbolize brother and sisterhood  The five Olympic rings and five colors of the Olympic flag symbolize the fact that the Olympics are open to athletes from all parts of the world, of any color and nationality  The Olympics are a way to promote the friendship of nations, along with physical and mental excellence

8.  In 1920 there were 29 nations represented  By 1924 that number rose to 44  1924 was also the year that the Winter Olympics was officially added  1900 women’s events were added