The modern Olympic Games were
instituted in 1896 and, except during
WWI and WWII, have been held every
four years around the world ever since.
The Olympic flame is lit at the ancient
site and carried by runners to the city
where the Games are held.
Scandal & Controversies
Throughout history the Olympics has
been marred by scandals. These range
from the farcical – Emperor Nero
entering the chariot race in AD 67
with 10 horses, ordering that other
competitors could only have four, falling
off and still being declared winner – to
the serious, including Israeli athletes
being murdered by Palestinian group
Black September in 1972, and Hitler
refusing to award gold medals to African
American sprinter Jesse Owens in 1936.
GRANT FAINT / GETTY IMAGES © LOUISA GOULIAMAKI / AFP / GETTY IMAGES ©- Wall mural depicting
athletes - Lighting the flame
in Ancient Olympia in
preparation for the 2014
Sochi Winter Olympic
Games - Helliniko Olympic
complex, part of the
Athens 2004 Olympic
Games site
SIMON DAWSON/BLOOMBERG / GETTY IMAGES ©ANCIENT OLYMPICS VS MODERN
OLYMPICS̈ Contemporary opening ceremonies
may involve such displays as James
Bond parachuting in. In Ancient Greece,
it was all about sacrificing oxen to Zeus.
̈ Ancient Greek events included
wrestling, chariot and horse racing, the
pentathlon (three foot races, the long
jump and the discus), javelin, boxing and
pankration (few-holds-barred fighting).
Today’s Summer Olympics have been
joined by the Winter Olympics; a total
of 56 events across both games include
modified sprinting, equestrian, boxing
and wrestling.
̈ Victorious ancient Olympians were
crowned with sacred olive branches and
enjoyed tax exemption and other privi-
leges. Modern Olympians receive medals,
TV fame and sponsorship fortune.