History of the Olympic Games

Dating back to over 3,000 years ago in Ancient Greece, the Olympic Games were held every four years in honor of the god Zeus. It was believed that Hercules and Alcmene founded the games and by 6th century B.C. it was the most famous Greek sporting festival. Always held in Olympia, the Olympics became a way for many to measure time in four-year increments known as Olympiads.

The Games are rumoured to have begun in 8th century B.C. but ended due to the Roman Empire conquering Greece. By 4th century A.D., the Olympic Games were full of cheating Emperors and were banned because they were considered a “pagan festival.”

1,500 years later, the Olympic Games made a comeback in Athens in 1896. 13 nations participated in 43 events with a grand total of 280 participants. 60,000 spectators anxiously watched Olympians compete in track and field, gymnastics, swimming, wrestling, cycling, tennis, weightlifting, shooting and fencing.

1924 was a big year for the Olympics! The Paris Games had over 3,000 athletes competing (including women!) from 44 nations, plus it was the first time there was a closing ceremony. That same year, the Winter Olympics began with Olympians competing in figure skating, ice hockey, bobsledding and a biathlon.

In 2004 the Summer Olympics returned to where it all began, Olympia (Athens), Greece. To honor tradition, the Games were held at the same site as they were in Ancient Greece. Almost 11,000 participants from 201 countries competed, a honorable tribute to the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

Today, about 10,500 competitors from 204 nations participate in the games, and people come from far and wide to watch these athletes in their best events. But even more enjoy from the comfort of their own home! Check out some of our favorite Olympic Games worthy recipes to munch on while watching: