The documentary "The Olympic Games in Antiquity" is a series of five half-hour episodes about the Olympic Games, which combines historical accuracy with an original script and the use of modern technology. It covers the history of the Games from the 8th century BC, their starting point, to their final abolition during the early years of Christianity. Athletic competitions during the Prehistoric Times, such as the bull-leaping in Minoan Crete and the games of wrestling and boxing in Mycenaean Greece -which were the forerunners of the Olympic Games-, the temple of Olympia and ancient Elis form an important part of the series. However, the larger part deals with the analytical description of an Olympiad, and specifically its ritual and the programme of the Games. All the basic competitions are described as well as the heroic accomplishments of famous Olympic winners of antiquity. In addition, in an attempt to show the competitive spirit of ancient Greeks, the Panhellenic Competitions, Pithia, Nemea, Isthmia and Panathinea are examined.

The series, the unique one in the whole world that deals with the subject, brings to light unknown and rare archaeological material from the greatest Greek and foreign museums. In addition, it presents scientific information about the way that Olympic Games were conducted and their influence to the ancient world, and particularly to the social life, art and culture. Of course it is not a typical descriptive documentary, but a dramatised production, since the script is based on the spiritual "journey" of a new actress, who seeks the true meaning of the Olympic Games, since she is about to play the part of the head priestess in the lightning of the Olympic flame. In addition, actors represented people who were connected with the Games, such as Diagoras of Rhodes and the runner Ageas.

Modern technology adds its own dimension in this film revival of the Games. All the sports and the way that are conducted is reconstructed through two-dimensional cartoons, while the temples and the buildings that existed in the sacred area of ancient Olympia are reconstructed with 3D graphics.

Directed by: Markos Holevas
Written: Stella Tsikra
Producers: Hristos Hristodoulou, Stella Tsikra
Narration: Natalia Kapodistria
Art Director: Kiki Pitta
Edited by: Orfeas Andre
Musical Direction: Dimitris Papadimitriou
Director of Photography: Yiannis Valeras
2D: Alekos Papadatos
3D: Vaggelis Hristodoulou
Associate Producers:
Foundation of the Hellenic World
Mentor Communications
Seven Stars
The Twin Pines
Hexagram