10 Fascinating Facts About The Ancient Olympic Games

Olympics have always had utter respect all around the world. With just a few days left for another Olympics tournament, let's look at some of the fascinating facts about the game.

1. There is no consensus on how and when the games actually originated.
2. In Ancient Greece, Olympics were considered to be one of the two central rituals.
3. The site of Ancient Olympics is where Statue of Zeus and one of the seven ancient wonders of the world were housed in a temple at Olympia.
4. The only that took place at first Olympics was Stadion race - a race of 190 metres.
5. Racer started in fully erect position with their arms stretched out - unlike today.
6. The winner of the first games was a baker from Eleia.
7. The tradition of athletic nudity started in 720 BC.
8. During the games, Greece had to be under truce. There were no wars, capital punishment, battles etc.
9. Earlier, the game lasted for 5 days. The first three were for sporting events and other two were for rituals and celebration.
10. As part of move towards Christianity, the games were suppressed in either AD 393 or AD 495. Then, it did not return till 1896.

By: Neha Maheshwari

Content: http://listverse.com/2008/08/04/15-fascinating-facts-about-the-ancient-olympics/