The impressive spectacle of the Olympics games in its modern form will be all that many generations of people know. Though this may be impressive, the Olympic Games have a long and varied history that would be sure to increase interest in the sporting exhibition.
Beginnings
The original Olympics Games began in ancient Greece, providing the arena for athletes from different states within the country to compete against each other in a range of events. Feats of strength, speed and ability were demonstrated through athletic pursuits, such as chariot racing, wrestling and equestrian events. It has been said that the games were first deemed as ‘Olympic’ by Heracles, who built the stadium in honour of Zeus. Even as far back as this time, there are records to show that the Games took place every four years, which was also said to be established by Heracles. As the Romans took more command in Greece, the importance of the Olympic Games waned until it ended completely in the 4th century.
Purpose
In addition to the ancient Olympic Games giving competitors the opportunity to show-off and demonstrate their ability, they would also get the chance to earn admiration. Winners of events in the Olympic Games would often become well-known throughout Greece, often celebrated by being captured in poems and as statues. However, the purpose of the Games was more than simply discovering who was best at a particular event, there was also a religious component. Ritual sacrifices would take place alongside sports events in honour of Zeus.
Development
In the late 18th century, an Olympic festival began to take place annually in France, emulating many of the events that took place in ancient Greece. The 19th century saw the performance of the Olympics Games rise in popularity again after the Greeks gained their independence. This resumption of the Games led to the formation of the International Olympics Charter, which forms the framework for the Games. After this point, various events began to be held all over the world, including the UK. An annual event held in Liverpool, in which only men could compete, led to the creation of the British Olympic Association. 1896 saw the occurrence of the first Olympics Games in its modern form in Athens, Greece. With the help of continuing expansion and development, the Olympics Games has been able to develop into the international sporting event that it is today.
A brief history of the Olympic Games
Posted by Cris K. in Sport
Beginnings
The original Olympics Games began in ancient Greece, providing the arena for athletes from different states within the country to compete against each other in a range of events. Feats of strength, speed and ability were demonstrated through athletic pursuits, such as chariot racing, wrestling and equestrian events. It has been said that the games were first deemed as ‘Olympic’ by Heracles, who built the stadium in honour of Zeus. Even as far back as this time, there are records to show that the Games took place every four years, which was also said to be established by Heracles. As the Romans took more command in Greece, the importance of the Olympic Games waned until it ended completely in the 4th century.
Purpose
In addition to the ancient Olympic Games giving competitors the opportunity to show-off and demonstrate their ability, they would also get the chance to earn admiration. Winners of events in the Olympic Games would often become well-known throughout Greece, often celebrated by being captured in poems and as statues. However, the purpose of the Games was more than simply discovering who was best at a particular event, there was also a religious component. Ritual sacrifices would take place alongside sports events in honour of Zeus.
Development
In the late 18th century, an Olympic festival began to take place annually in France, emulating many of the events that took place in ancient Greece. The 19th century saw the performance of the Olympics Games rise in popularity again after the Greeks gained their independence. This resumption of the Games led to the formation of the International Olympics Charter, which forms the framework for the Games. After this point, various events began to be held all over the world, including the UK. An annual event held in Liverpool, in which only men could compete, led to the creation of the British Olympic Association. 1896 saw the occurrence of the first Olympics Games in its modern form in Athens, Greece. With the help of continuing expansion and development, the Olympics Games has been able to develop into the international sporting event that it is today.
Image from: Georgi Karamihaylov – Fotolia.com
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