HistoryofTheAncientGamesAndTheOlympics.ppsx

History of the Ancient Olympic games

1. THE HISTORY AND ORIGINS OF THE
OLYMPIC GAMES
Christina Vasquez| SPC2608-505Z – Professor Brackel | Daytona State College
02 October 2025

2. INTRODUCTION
 The
Olympic Games began as a sacred festival in ancient
Greece
and evolved into today’s global celebration of unity
and
excellence. 
◦Origins
in ancient Greece
◦Decline
under the Roman Empire 
◦Modern revival

3. Birthplace of the Olympics
Origins in Ancient Olympia
oThe
Olympic Games began in Olympia, Greece, in 776 BCE,
starting
a legendary sporting tradition.
Dedication to Zeus
oThe
games honored Zeus, the chief deity in Greek mythology, with
religious
ceremonies and rituals.
Sacred Truce and Peace
oA
sacred truce was proclaimed, allowing athletes and visitors to
travel
safely to Olympia in peace.

4. Celebrated Ancient
Events
Athletic Competitions
Ancient
sporting events included races, wrestling, boxing, pentathlon,
penkration
and chariot racing, fostering physical excellence and
competition.
Victors and Honors
Winners
were awarded olive wreaths and earned lifelong fame and
respect
in their communities for their achievements.
Artifacts and Depictions
Artifacts
like the Panathenaic Amphora and Discobolus sculpture
visually
capture the spirit of these celebrated events.

5. Religion Unites the
Games
Olympics Honored Zeus
The
Olympic Games served as a spiritual center by honoring Zeus,
strengthening
cultural unity across Greece.
Sacred Truce Ensured Safety
The
Sacred Truce suspended wars, allowing athletes and spectators to
attend
the Games peacefully.
Statue Symbolized Unity
The
Statue of Zeus at Olympia embodied shared reverence and
promoted
peaceful collaboration between city-states.

6. End of Ancient Games
Roman Influence on Games
Roman rule changed the Games, making public
entertainment more important than their original religious
meaning.
Ban of Ancient Games
In 393 CE, Emperor Theodosius I banned the Games,
viewing them as pagan rituals incompatible with new
beliefs.
Decline of Traditions
The ban marked the end of ancient traditions and the
beginning of a new era in public celebrations.

7. Revival of Modern
Olympics
Revival in 1896
The
Olympic Games were revived in 1896, marking a major turning
point
in sports history and global unity.
International Unity Through Sport
Coubertin’s
vision fostered international unity as athletes from various
nations
competed on a global stage.
Establishment of Global Tradition
The
modern Olympics became a recurring tradition, inspiring global
participation
and celebration of athletic achievement.

8. Works Cited
◦“The Real Olympics: A History of the Ancient and Modern Olympic Games.”
PBS, 2004, https://fod-infobase-
com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/p_ViewVideo.aspx?xtid=44395&tScript=0.%20Accessed%2009%20Oct.%202025.
Accessed 2 Oct.
2025.

◦Finley,
Moses I., and H. W. Pleket.
The Olympic Games: The First Thousand Years.
Clark, Irwin ; London : Chatto and Windus, 1976.
◦Woff,
Richard.
The Ancient Greek Olympics.
Oxford UP, USA, 1999.
◦Brooks,
Christopher. “The Archaic Age of Greece.” 
Western Civilization: A Concise History,
LOUIS: The Louisiana Library
Network,
1 Aug. 2022, louis.pressbooks.pub/westernciv/chapter/chapter4/. Accessed 09 Oct. 2025.
◦Ruins of Olympia, Greece.
Films On Demand, Films Media Group, 2004.
“Ruins of Olympia, Greece.”
 Films On Demand, Films
Media Group, 2004, https://fod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx wID=98981&xtid=144152.Street,
https://search.alexanderstreet.com/view/work/bibliographic_entity|video_work|2361491.