The first known Olympic Games took place in 776BC, 2,800 years ago, at Olympia in southern Greece. To begin with, the Games were held in honour of Zeus, the king of the gods in ancient Greek religion.

Who were the ancient Greeks? Discover different ancient Greek cities and find out how they were ruled. How did the Olympic Games begin? Learn how the Olympic Games began over 2,700 years ago!

Dr Judith Swaddling is an Assistant Keeper in the Greek and Roman Department at the British Museum. She is author of The Ancient Olympic Games, a guide to both the games and the site of ancient ...

Ancient Greeks believed the track’s 210-yard length ... He concluded that the Olympics were a metaphor for human existence itself. Every day was filled with difficulties and tribulations ...