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Ancient Origins of the Olympics

Origins of the Summer Games

Taken from Ancient Greek Civilization

    Full-Length Lectures

  • The Story of Ancient Olympia

  • The Story of Ancient Olympia

  • Olympia: Games and Gods

    • Short Clips

  • Olympia: Games and Gods

  • Origins of the Summer Games

  • Origins of the Summer Games

  • Why are the Summer Games Held Every Four Years?

  • Why are the Summer Games Held Every Four Years?

  • How do the Modern Summer Games Differ from Ancient Times?

  • How do the Modern Summer Games Differ from Ancient Times?

  • The Influence of Ancient Mythology on the Summer Games

  • The Influence of Ancient Mythology on the Summer Games

Gain Insights into the Ancient Origins of the Olympics

These 6 clips have been specially excerpted from some of our most popular History courses and gathered here as a convenient way for you to:

  • explore how the ancient Olympics emphasized the Homeric ideals of heroism and honor,
  • discover how the first events embodied the spirit of competition (agon) that defined ancient Greek life,
  • and investigate the intriguing differences between how the games were played in ancient Greece and how we play them today.