Starting probably as far back as 776BC, and continuing until at least 393AD, games were held here every four years.

The festivities included various individual athletic events, but also included competition in the arts.

Olympia was not a town, but a sacred district, managed by the villages in the area.

Abandoned for centuries, the site was rediscovered in modern times and excavated. It is an expansive site that takes time to appreciate.

Buildings & the site

Lighting the torch

Temple of Zeus

The stadium

The palaestra

Workshop of Pheidias

The museum

Gallery

Topics

Their categories and ours

History of the games

The cycle of an olympiad

The meaning of the games

Ancient sources on the games

Practicalities

Links & Resources

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Last modified 4/4/20; posted 2/21/02; original content © 2020, 2002 John P. Nordin