The Olympic Games: Facts, Ancient & Modern | HISTORY By: HISTORY.com Editors Sports The Olympic Games HISTORY.com Editors Joe Scarnici/Getty Images Published: January 06, 2010 Last Updated: February 06, 2026 Table of contents 1 The Olympics Begin in Ancient Greece 2 The Decline and Revival of the Olympic Games Tradition 3 The Olympics Through the Years Table of contents The Olympic Games, which originated in ancient Greece nearly 3,000 years ago, were revived in the late 19th century and have become the world’s preeminent sporting competition. From the eighth century B.C. to the fourth century A.D., the Games were held every four years in Olympia, located in the western Peloponnese peninsula, in honor of the god Zeus. The first modern Olympics took place in 1896 in Athens and featured up to 280 participants from 12 nations, competing in 43 events. Since 1994, the Summer and Winter Olympics have been held separately and have alternated every two years. The 2026 Winter Games are being held in northern Italy from February 6-22, 2026. The 2028 Summer Olympics will be held in Los Angeles, California from July 14-30. The Olympics Begin in Ancient Greece The first written records of the ancient Olympic Games date to 776 B.C., when a cook named Coroebus won the only event—a 192-meter footrace called the stade (the origin of the modern “stadium”)—to become the first Olympic champion. However, it is generally believed that the Games had been going on for many years by that time. Legend has it that Heracles (the Roman Hercules ), son of Zeus and the mortal woman Alcmene, founded the Games, which by the end of the sixth century B.C had become the most famous of all Greek sporting festivals. 10 Amazing Ancient Olympic Facts From naked athletes to foot-only races, these are 10 surprising facts you didn’t know about the ancient Olympics. 9:30m watch The ancient Olympics were held every four years between August 6 and September 19 during a religious festival honoring Zeus. The Game