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The first recorded Olympic Games were held in 776 BCE in Olympia, Greece. These ancient Olympics were a religious festival dedicated to Zeus, the king of the Greek gods. The only event in the first recorded Games was a 192-meter foot race called the "stadion", won by a runner named Coroebus of Elis.

Ancient Olympics (776 BCE – 393 CE)

Held every four years in Olympia.

Featured events like wrestling, chariot racing, discus throw, and pankration (a brutal combat sport).

Only Greek men could compete; women were not allowed to participate or even watch.

The Games ended in 393 CE when Emperor Theodosius I banned them as part of the Christianization of the Roman Empire.


Modern Olympics (1896 – Present)

The modern Olympic Games were revived by Baron Pierre de Coubertin and first held in Athens, Greece, in 1896.

241 athletes from 14 countries participated.