As is known to all the first modern Olympics were held there in 1896. But the history of the Olympics in Greece dates back to much earlier.
The first ancient Olympics were held in 776 B.C. The games got their name from Olympia, the Greek city where they took place.
Like the Summer Olympics of today, the ancient Olympics were held every four years. One of the main features (特点) of the ancient Olympics was the Olympic truce (休战).The truce meant that all wars were stopped, so that athletes and spectators could compete and travel in peace. Thousands of people from all over the Greek world came to watch.
During the first Olympics, there was only one competition—a 218-yard (200-meter) race. But over time the games grew to include wrestling, chariot racing, boxing and other sports. Women were not allowed to compete, but they had their own separate games.
"The ancient athletes became celebrities (名人), just like today. They often lived the rest of their lives being treated to free dinners." Cerrato said "City-states even tried to steal away each other's athletes by offering them various awards."
Unlike today's Olympics, the ancient Olympics were held to honor Zeus. Greeks thought that Zeus was the leader of the many gods and goddesses they believed in. But what comes as a surprise to many people is the fact that many athletes competed completely naked(裸体的)!
The ancient Olympics existed until 393 A. D. But the modern Olympics are still going strong. "The Olympics" gather athletes from around the world，said Sue Macy, author of a new National Geographic book, Swifter, Higher, Stronger: A Photographic History of the Summer Olympics. "It's so much bigger today."
