First Olympics:Ancient Olympia

According to historical records the Olympic games were first established in 776 BC and only consisted of mens sprinting as the main event. Later durng the 7th and 8th centuries BC other events were held and these included wrestling, equestrian events, boxing and competitions for boys. During the height of its popularity the games attracted elite competitors from many cities until its popularity finally died out in AD 393.The first modern games were revived in 1896 by the Frenchman Baron Pierre de Coubertin and were held in Athens.At the start of the modern Olympics today, a ceremony is held at Ancient Olympia, where the flame is lit using a parabolic mirror and the energy reflected from the Sun. Once the flame is lit, it is carried to an altar at the Temple of Hera, where the Olympic runners begin the Torch Relay to wherever in the world the Olympics are to be held.Ancient Olympia is a fascinating site to visit, with architectural delights dating back over 2000 years on the site of the Sanctuary of Olympia, which in its renaissance looked amazing.Model of the Zeus Sanctuary in Olympia courtesy of the Archaeological Museum of OlympiaThe original running track still exists and 10 years ago when my wife and I visited we actually ran down it.
The Olympia Museum close by houses many treasures and is probably one of the richest museums in Greece, and its many galleries are are arranged chronologically, as you proceed clockwise from the entrance. From pre-history to the Classical period and right up to Roman times.In the town of Olympia nearby you can find the Modern Olympic Museum which houses many of the torches from earlier games, and Olympic paraphenalia from the past. If you ever travel to Greece this site is well worth a visit as even today its significance is immense as the bithplace of the Olympic games.
New Olympics Museum

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