Olympic Games

The Olympic Games were one of the earliest important events in Greek history. They started as early as 776 BC and they were held every four years in honour of Zeus, at Ancient Olympia.

The Olympic festival lasted five days and included a lot of athletic events such as Pentathlon, chariot races, force races, matches of wrestling and races as well as religious functions and ceremonies: sacrifices, prayers, celebrations because the Games never lost their religious character. Philosophers and poets demonstrated their masterpieces during the Games.

Athletes from all over the Greek world took part in the Games, but only Greek free men, not slaves. Women were not allowed to take part.

The Olympic Games represented an ideal which through honorable and noble competition sought to develop the mind and strengthen the body in order to create a superior character. The contest didn't take place for simple exhibition of riches but for the harmonious development of body and mind, for the worship of beauty and nobility.

The winners were not awarded money but crowns of wild olive. They fought for glory, ideals and virtue. They were adored and honored by everybody and especially by those who lived in the same town with them. When they returned to their country a part of the walls was demolished because the town with such brave men didn't need any walls.

Today, the Olympic Games are held every four years in different parts of the world since Pierre de Couberden revived them in 1896. Athletes from all over the world regardless of race, class, politics or religious belief take part in the contest and everyone can attend them.

The aim is still to promote peace and cooperation between the nations, to forge bonds of international goodwill and understanding but unfortunately there is not ceasefire during the Games, the hostilities go on.

Greece fought hard to stage the Olympic Games, saying it had a special right as the country where the Ancient Games originated and were revived in 1896. Finally the Olympic Committee accepted the bid and trusted Athens for the Olympic Games of 2004 showing confidence in Athens's ability to meet the demands of this giant sports festival.

At Ancient Olympia, the Olympic flame symbolizing peace and life will be lit again from the sun's rays reflected on a concave mirror. Then it will begin its journey to Athens where the Olympic Games of 2004 will be held.