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

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

Their categories and ours

History of the games

The cycle of an olympiad

Ancient sources on the games

Stadium

Palaestra

Museum

Gallery

Practicalities

Links & Resources

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.

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Last modified 9/30/12, posted 2/21/10. Original content © 2012, 2010 John P. Nordin