The Olympic Games

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The Olympic Games were held every four years in Olympia. They were Pan-Hellenic—open to all Greeks—and the events provided the opportunity to win Olympic titles (a wreath of wild laurel) and immense prestige. After the Roman conquest, the Games are opened to foreigners and enjoy huge success. But in the 4th century, Archbishop Ambrose of Milan considers them to be pagan and has them banned. For more than 1,300 years, the Games vanish from History, and Olympia gradually falls into oblivion. Everything suddenly changes when the ruins of Olympia are rediscovered. Major digs on the ancient sporting site begin in 1875 and once again put the Olympic Games in the world’s spotlight. The first modern version of the Olympic Games is held in Athens in 1896 and is a triumph. The Olympic Games take on new life and henceforth allow the participation of all people, irrespective of their sex or race. Today, the Olympic Games are the most-watched sporting event in the world.