The Olympiad
The Olympic Games were held every four years, in the second week of July, and lasted for four to five days in the Classical
period, even though there were many changes regarding their
duration through their long history. Up to the 24th Olympiad
(684 BC) they were conducted in only one day, while in the
37th Olympiad (632 BC) three more days were added. Through
the centuries, the games developed and new events were added in their programme. During the Olympic Games, the Greeks made
sacrifices to Zeus and the other gods of the sanctuary. Various athletic competitions took place and the organization came
to an end with large festivities of religious character.
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