IMPORTANCE

SITE

OLYMPIAD

Duration

Games

RULES

ATHLETIC EVENTS

OLYMPIC VICTORS

ART

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.

 

Topography:
Short description of the monuments at ancient Olympia

3D reconstructions:
Some of the most important buildings in ancient Olympia rendered in three-dimensions.

VRML:
3D reconstruction of the Temple of Zeus in ancient Olympia.

Other games:
Short reference on other famous contests in ancient Greece

In the first person:
Young Ariston shares his experience in the Olympic Games

Olympic victors:
Database of the ancient Olympic victors based on each athletic event and each Olympiad

Specimen sources

Bibliography