The Olympics
The Olympic Games take place every four years and they are watched by millions of people all over the world. The best athletes train for years to have their moment in the spotlight to shine with the gold medal. The Olympic Games were introduced by the Greeks in the 700’s BC. They loved to engage in physical competitions so they invited other people to come to Athens and participate in the events that took place every four years.
Over the years the Olympic Games became more popular and people began attending them on a regular basis. Each year more people showed up to compete as well as to cheer on those in the games. New events were added as well for people to compete in. The winners of the Olympic Games were held in high honor. They would receive a crown made from olive branches. The Greeks viewed the olive branch as a symbol of peace and hope.
Since the Greeks were such religious people there were plenty of ceremonies taking place throughout the events as well. The Olympic Games lasted for several games so the people could enjoy themselves. While there was fierce competition during the day there was plenty of harmony at night.
The tradition of the Olympic Games lasted for more than 1,000 years in Greece. Sadly the tradition came to an end when the Romans took over the region. Since they brought the Christian religion with them anything else was considered in honor of the devil. They viewed the Olympic Games as being held in honor of the devil.
Various types of Olympic Games were held in various places around the world but many of them were not documented. They were held in memory of the ones once taking place in Greece. In 1850 office organization for reviving the Olympic Games was introduced.
To honor the Olympic Games that the Greeks started so many ears ago they are still held every four years. While the olive branch wreath has been replaced with gold, silver, and bronze medals they still stand for peace and hope. There are still opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympic Games but they do not have a religious nature to them.
