Ancient Olympics

The Ancient Olympic Games predated the Olympics of modern times. The ancient games were held from 776 BC to 393 AD.¹

Fast Facts

1. Dates: 776 BC to 393 AD¹
2. Held at Olympia²
3. Olympics were used as a way for ancient Greeks to honor their gods²
4. Open to any free-born Greek²
5. Women were not allowed to compete²
6. Winners received olive leaves and a statue of themselves
7. Cheaters were fined²

About the Games

The Ancient Olympic Games were held in Olympia and were meant to honor the Greek god Zeus. The participants were free-born males that came from all parts of the Greek world. The games were held every four years from 776 BC until 393 AD. The modern Olympics began 1,503 years later in 1896. ³

Ancient Events

• Boxing
• Equestrian - Chariot racing, horseback riding
• Pankration
• Pentathlon - Discus, javelin, jump, wrestling
• Running
• Wrestling⁴

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