Olympics

The Olympics began over 2 and a half thousand years ago in ancient Greece. In those days Greece was made up of several different states including Athens, Sparta and Corinth and they were often at war with each other but when the games were on they held a truce. This great event was held at a place called Olympia and this is why the games are called the Olympics. They were held once every 4 years a honour of Zeus lord of all the gods. Eventually the Ancient Olympics were abolished by the Roman Emperor Theodosius the first who was a christian and didn't like the games because they were dedicated to a pagan god. But the Olympics were always remembered as a symbol of human achievement and peace.