The Olympics, which took place every four years until at least 393 A.D., was the premier sporting, social and cultural gathering of the ancient Greeks. When did the modern Olympic Games start?

The Olympics: Ancient versus Modern. By Dr Stephen Instone Last updated 2011-02-17. Today's Olympic Games are based on what took place at Olympia, in Greece, nearly three millennia ago.

Here’s what to know: Why it started: While sports fans might figuratively worship certain athletes at the Rio Olympics, actual religious worship was a key part of the ancient games.The games ...

The ancient Olympic Games can be traced back to 776 B.C. By ABC News. February 9, 2018, 8:58 AM. 1:27. An illustration by De Courten depicting the Ancient Greek Olympic Games.

The 2024 Olympics are set to begin on July 26 and will continue through August 11 in Paris, France. Athletes from 206 countries in total will compete. With roots in Ancient Greece, the modern ...

But by 393 A.D., with Greece firmly under Roman rule, Emperor Theodosius declared the Olympics a pagan festival and banned the games, according to the Hellenic Information Society.