The Greeks invented the Olympics to honor the gods. The Olympics started around 700 BC. Women could not compete in the Olympics. In the beginning there wasn't many sports in the Olympics. The Olympics kept getting bigger and bigger each time it took place, which was every four years. |
"Olympia, the site of the ancient Olympic Games, is in the western part of the Peloponnese which, according to Greek mythology, is the island of "Pelops", the founder of the Olympic Games. Imposing temples, votive buildings, elaborate shrines and ancient sporting facilities were combined in a site of unique natural and mystical beauty. Olympia functioned as a meeting place for worship and other religious and political practices as early as the 10th century B.C. The central part of Olympia was dominated by the majestic temple of Zeus, with the temple of Hera parallel to it"
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Fire was a very important thing to the people of Ancient Greece, they believed that fire had been given specially to mankind from the god Prometheus. Because of this, the Greeks burned torches in front of most all temples to honor the great god and substance as well as running a Torch Relay during the Olympics to honor it. Even though this relay wasn't and actual event of the Olympics, it was still a very popular race. |