THE OLYMPICS HISTORY

The Olympic Games nowadays are very different from what they were in their beginning.
The first Ancient Olympic Games happened in 776 B.C., in Olympia, Greece. They were part of the traditional cult of Zeus, even though their most important objective was showing the physical qualities of the athletes. Keeping good relations between cities of Greece was also important.

(Temple of Zeus, Olympia)

The ancient games included running, jumping and discus throwing – the discus were made of stone and later of iron, imagine their weight! They continued happening for nearly 12 centuries, until Emperor Theodosius banned them in 393 A.C. He did it because of the pagan character of the ceremony.

The first celebration of the modern Olympic Games was in 1896. Not as a coincidence, it happened in Greece, involving athletes from 14 nations. The most popular event was the marathon.

China was the country chosen to receive the latest games. They happened from August, 8 to August, 24 of this year and gave a great impression of China to the world. Despite being a developing country, China was able to build all the necessary shelters to the athletes and the structure to the modalities of games.

The opening and the closing ceremonies were also an exhibition of China’s effort. The country welcomed the world to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the Bird’s Nest Stadium with two thousand drums and fireworks. There were amazing acrobats, art and opera performances in both ceremonies.

(Beijing 2008 opening ceremony)


Even though the Olympic Games have significantly changed since their creation, they still have a strong meaning: assemble people from different parts of the world and show them that they have something in common. We hope the spirit of the Olympic Torch to keep burning for a long time.

(The Olympic Torch)

Luisa
FCE2