Description
The ancient Olympic Games originally served as a festival and celebration dedicated to Zeus. These historic games trace their roots back to the 2nd millennium BC. It’s believed that King Pelops, from whom the Peloponnese derives its name, played a pivotal role in their inception.
A key moment in Olympia’s history occurred in 776 BC, when Spartan Lycurgus and King Iphitos of Elis agreed to organize religious festivals in Olympia. This agreement included a truce across Greece during the festivals, marking an early step toward Greece’s future unification as a nation.
As the Olympic Games gained popularity, they evolved into a political tool. Philosophers, sculptors and poets converged during each olympiad to present their ideas and creative works. By the 8th century BC, Olympia’s renown had spread far and wide, reaching the East and Mesopotamia to the east, as well as the West and lower Italy to the west. Embark on an exploration of Ancient Olympia with our guided tour from Athens.
