When you think of the Olympics, do you think of the Ancient Greeks? I know I did not before my recent adventure to Greece where I learned so much about where our modern-day events and traditions come from.
The Olympics’ Tie With Religion
The town of Olympia in the Peloponnesus region of Greece is the birthplace of the athletic games we now know as the Olympics. However, back in 776 B.C., the Olympics were not just a time to demonstrate athletic ability, but also a time to worship the ancient gods.
Below, you can see the ancient ruins of the Temple of Zeus with a reconstructed column that exemplifies the grand magnitude of this building. Athletes would come to pray for victory or give offerings to the gods.
Current Day
Religion is no longer a part of the Olympics, but in the early days, many thought the games would not go in your favor without offerings and prayers to the gods. The games were banned in the 4th century AD by Emperor Theodosius to promote Christianity, and when they returned, in 1896, they no longer had any religious ties.
Not many people know that the Olympics were not always a secular event that started in Olympia. However, to honor this history, there is a ceremonial lighting of the Olympic Flame here every two years for both the summer and winter games.
Next time you watch the Olympics, think about how they looked when they first started!
Living in Culture 
Leave a comment