History of the Olympic Games

Once every four years, the Olympic Games are held - the so-called sports competitions in which the best athletes from different countries peace. Each of them dreams of becoming an Olympic champion and receiving a gold, silver or bronze medal as a reward. Almost 11 thousand athletes from over 200 countries of the world came to the 2016 Olympic competitions in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro.

Although these sports are mostly played by adults, some sports, as well as the history of the Olympic Games, can also be very exciting for children. And, probably, both children and adults would be interested to know when the Olympic Games appeared, how they got such a name, and also what types sports exercises were in the first competition. In addition, we will learn how the modern Olympic Games are held, and what their emblem means - five multi-colored rings.

The birthplace of the Olympic Games is Ancient Greece. The earliest historical records of the ancient Olympic Games were found on Greek marble columns engraved with the date 776 BC. However, it is known that sports in Greece took place much earlier than this date. Therefore, the history of the Olympics has been around for about 2800 years, and this, you see, is quite a lot.

Do you know who, according to history, became one of the first Olympic champions? - This was ordinary cook Korybos from the city of Elis, whose name is still engraved on one of those marble columns.

The history of the Olympic Games is rooted in ancient city- Olympia, from where the name of this sports festival originated. This settlement is in a very beautiful place- near Mount Kronos and on the banks of the Alpheus River, and it is here from ancient times to the present day that the ceremony of lighting the torch with the Olympic flame takes place, which is then relayed to the city of the Olympic Games.

You can try to find this place on a world map or in an atlas and at the same time check yourself - can I find Greece first, and then Olympia?

How were the Olympic Games in ancient times?

At first, only locals, but then everyone liked it so much that people from all over Greece and its subordinate cities began to come here, as far as from the Black Sea itself. People got there as best they could - someone rode a horse, someone had a wagon, but most people went to the holiday on foot. The stadiums were always crowded with spectators - everyone really wanted to see sports competitions with their own eyes.

It is also interesting that in those days when the Olympic competitions were going to be held in ancient Greece, a truce was declared in all cities and all wars stopped for about a month. For ordinary people it was calm Peaceful time when you can take a break from everyday activities and have fun.

For a whole 10 months, the athletes trained at home, and then for another month in Olympia, where experienced coaches helped them prepare as best as possible for the competition. At the beginning of sports games, everyone took an oath, the participants - that they would compete honestly, and the judges - to judge fairly. Then the competition itself began, which lasted 5 days. The beginning of the Olympic Games was announced with the help of a silver trumpet, which was blown several times, inviting everyone to gather in the stadium.

What sports were at the Olympic Games in ancient times?

These were:

  • running competitions;
  • struggle;
  • long jump;
  • javelin and discus throw;
  • hand-to-hand combat;
  • chariot racing.

The best athletes were awarded - Laurel wreath or an olive branch, the champions solemnly returned to hometown and until the end of their lives were considered respected people. Banquets were held in their honor, and sculptors made marble statues for them.

Unfortunately, in 394 AD, the Olympic Games were banned by the Roman emperor, who did not like such competitions very much.

Olympic Games today

The first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896, in the parent country of these games - Greece. You can even calculate how long the break was - from 394 to 1896 (it turns out 1502 years). And now, after so many years in our time, the birth of the Olympic Games became possible thanks to one famous French baron, his name was Pierre de Coubertin.

Pierre de Coubertin the founder of the modern Olympic Games.

This man really wanted to more people engaged in sports and proposed to resume the Olympic Games again. Since then, sports games have been held every four years, with the maximum preservation of the traditions of ancient times. But now the Olympic Games began to be divided into winter and summer, which alternate with each other.

Traditions and symbols of the Olympic Games



Olympic rings

Probably, each of us has seen the emblem of the Olympics - intertwined colored rings. They were chosen for a reason - each of the five rings means one of the continents:

  • ring of blue color- a symbol of Europe,
  • black - Africa,
  • red - America,
  • yellow - Asia,
  • the green ring is the symbol of Australia.

And the fact that the rings are intertwined with each other means the unity and friendship of people on all these continents, despite different colour skin.

olympic flag

The white flag with the Olympic emblem was chosen as the official flag of the Olympic Games. White color- it is a symbol of peace during the Olympic competitions, just like in the days of ancient Greece. At each Olympics, the flag is used at the opening and closing of sports games, and then transferred to the city in which the next Olympics will take place four years later.

olympic fire



Even in ancient times, a tradition arose to light a fire during the Olympic Games, and it has survived to this day. It is very interesting to watch the ceremony of lighting the Olympic flame, it is reminiscent of an ancient Greek theatrical production.

It all starts in Olympia a few months before the start of the competition. For example, the fire for the Brazilian Olympic Games was lit in Greece back in April of this year.

In Greek Olympia, eleven girls gather, dressed in long white dresses, as they used to be in Ancient Greece, then one of them takes a mirror and, with the help of sunlight, lights a specially prepared torch. This is the fire that will burn throughout the entire period of the Olympic competition.

After the torch lights up, it is handed over to one of the best athletes, who will then carry it first through the cities of Greece, and then deliver it to the country in which the Olympic Games will be held. Further, the torch relay passes through the cities of the country and, finally, arrives at the place where sports competitions will be held.

A large bowl is installed in the stadium and a fire is lit in it with the torch that came from distant Greece. The fire in the bowl will burn until all sports are over, then it goes out, and this symbolizes the end of the Olympic Games.

Opening and closing ceremony of the Olympics

It is always a bright and colorful sight. Each country hosting the Olympic Games tries to surpass the previous one in this component, sparing no effort or means. For the production, the latest achievements of science and technology are used, innovative technologies and development. In addition, it uses a large number of people - volunteers. The most famous people countries: artists, composers, athletes, etc.

Awarding of winners and prize-winners

When the first Olympic Games were held, the winners received a laurel wreath as a reward. However, modern champions are no longer awarded with laurel wreaths, but with medals: first place - Golden medal, second place - silver, and third - bronze.

It is very interesting to watch the competitions, but it is even more interesting to see how the champions are awarded. The winners go to a special pedestal with three steps, according to their places, they are awarded medals and raise the flags of the countries where these athletes came from.

That's the whole history of the Olympic Games, for children, I think, the above information will be interesting and useful

Olympic Games are international sports competitions that are held every four years in different cities. Thousands of athletes from all over the world compete against each other in individual and team sports. Over 1 billion people watch games on TV.

Modern Olympic Games

The first Olympic Games were held in Greece in 776 BC. They were named as ancient games and continued until the 4th century AD. Modern Olympic Games began in 1896 when Frenchman Pierre de Coubertin revived the games to bring peace and friendship to the whole world. There are summer and winter games. Until 1994, both games were held in the same year, but now they are staged with a two-year break from each other.

The modern Olympic Games begin with the opening ceremony. Athletes from all participating countries enter the stadium. Greece comes out first because it was the first country to host the Olympics and the host last. The Olympic flag is raised and the chosen athlete lights the Olympic flame. It is a symbol of spirit, knowledge and life. The fire burns from the opening to the end of the games.

The Olympic rings were created in 1913 and represent the five continents (Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia and South America). All athletes must recite the Olympic Oaths. One of them must promise that all athletes will compete in a fair manner. After each event, medals are given to the first three athletes. They receive gold, silver and bronze medals. Their flags are raised and the anthem of the country of the winner is played.

International Olympic Committee

The IOC is the organization that governs the modern Olympic Games. He decides which sports and events will be held at the games. The IOC also selects the host city for summer and winter games. Cities that want to host games must show that they have enough stadiums for all events, they have enough space for all the athletes, they can provide security for the athletes, they can transport athletes and spectators from one event to the next. They also need to build an Olympic village where all the athletes will live during the games.

How can athletes participate?

As a rule, each country decides for itself which athletes will take part. Athletes must be eligible for the Games by winning competitions held prior to the start of the Olympic Games. Athletes who are sent to the games from their country must be citizens of that country. For many years, only amateurs could compete in the games, but in the modern Olympics today, most of the athletes are professionals who make money through the sport.

ancient games

The ancient Olympic Games were held in Olympia and Greece every four years. They were held in honor of the god Zeus. Back then, only Greek men were allowed to participate. The games consisted of races, wrestling, boxing, pentathlon and horse racing. The last were, as a rule, chariot races. When the Romans conquered Greece in 140 BC, the games began to lose their religious significance and in 393 the Roman emperor banned the event.

The Summer Games take place during the summer season in the host country. They lasted 16 days. Today there are more than 270 competitions. More than 15,000 athletes from 190 countries take part in them.

The first Winter Olympic Games were held in France in 1924. They usually take place in February. Currently, the Winter Olympic Games include more than 60 events. Athletes from more than 60 countries participate in them.

The modern Olympic Games have become very successful and more and more people can watch them on TV, TV stations spend everything more money for the right to broadcast games. The IOC is making more money than ever before. With this money they help athletes in poor countries.

Sochi 2014 Olympic Flame Lighting Ceremony

When and where did the Olympic Games appear? And who is the founder of the Olympic Games, you will learn from this article.

Brief History of the Olympic Games

The Olympic Games originated in Ancient Greece, because the athleticism inherent in the Greeks became the reason for the emergence of sports games. The founder of the Olympic Games is King Enomai, who organized sports games for those who wanted to marry his daughter Hippodamia. According to legend, he was predicted that his son-in-law would be the cause of death. Therefore, young people who won in certain competitions died. Only the cunning Pelops overtook Oenomaus in chariots. So much so that the king broke his neck and died. The prediction came true, and Pelops, becoming king, established every 4 years to organize the Olympic Games in Olympia.

It is believed that in Olympia, the place where the first Olympic Games were held, the first competitions took place in 776 BC. The name of that who was the first winner of the games in ancient Greece - Koreb from Elis, who won the race.

olympic games in ancient greece sports

For the first 13 games, the only sport in which the participants competed was running. Then there was the pentathlon. It included running, javelin throwing, long jump, discus throwing, wrestling. A little later, a chariot race and fisticuffs were added.

The modern program of the Olympic Games includes 7 winter and 28 summer species sports, that is, 15 and 41 disciplines, respectively. Everything depends on the season.

As soon as the Romans annexed Greece to Rome, the number of nationalities that could take part in the games increased. Gladiator fights have been added to the program of competitions. But in 394 AD, Emperor Theodosius I, an admirer of Christianity, canceled the Olympic Games, considering them entertainment for the pagans.

The Olympic Games have sunk into oblivion for as long as 15 centuries. The first who took a step towards the revival of forgotten competitions was the Benedictine monk Bernard de Montfaucon. He was interested in the history and culture of ancient Greece and insisted that excavations should be carried out in the place where the famous Olympia once stood.

In 1766, Richard Chandler found the ruins of unknown structures of antiquity near Mount Kronos. It was part of the temple wall. In 1824, Lord Stanhof, an archaeologist, began excavations on the banks of the Alpheus. In 1828, the baton of the excavations of Olympia was picked up by the French, and in 1875 by the Germans.

Pierre de Coubertin statesman France insisted that the Olympic Games should be restarted. And in 1896, the first revived Olympic Games were held in Athens, which are still popular today.

We hope that from this article you have learned where and when the Olympic Games originated.

The Olympic Games are the largest sporting event loved by many. They are watched by millions of people on TV, thousands flock to the cities where the competition is held to see the strongest, most agile and fastest athletes with their own eyes. Every professional athlete dreams of not only winning, but at least getting into the Olympic arena. However, not many people know how they were created games when they first passed and what the original concept of this competition was.

Origin Legends

Many legends and myths about the origin of these competitions have come down to us, which have a different plot and history. However, one thing is known for sure: their homeland is Ancient Greece.

How were the first competitions held?

The beginning of the first of them dates back to 776 BC. This date is very ancient, and it could not have survived to this day, if not for the tradition of the Greeks: they engraved the names of the winners of the competitions on columns specially erected for this. Thanks to these buildings we know not only the time when the games began, but also the name of the first winner. This man's name was Koreb, and he was a resident of Ellis. It is interesting that the concept of the first thirteen games was very different from the subsequent ones, because initially there was only one competition - running a distance of one hundred and ninety-two meters.

At first, only the indigenous inhabitants of the city of Pisa and Elis had the right to take part. However, the popularity of the competition soon increased so much that other major policies began to contribute to their development.

There were laws according to which not every person could take part in the Olympic Games. Women didn't have this right., slaves and foreign residents called barbarians. And those who wanted to become a full participant had to submit an application to the meeting of judges a whole year before the start of the competition. Moreover, before the actual start of the competition, potential candidates were required to provide proof that since the moment of registration they had been working hard on their physical fitness, performing various types of exercises, training in long-distance running and maintaining athletic form.

The concept of ancient games

Starting from the fourteenth, they began to actively introduce into the program of games different kinds sports.

The winners of the Olympiads got literally everything they wanted. Their names are immortalized in history for centuries, and during their lifetime they were honored as demigods until old age. Moreover, after the death of each Olympiad was ranked among the lesser gods.

For a long time, these competitions, without which it was impossible to imagine life before, were forgotten. The thing is that after the coming to power of Emperor Theodosius and the strengthening of the Christian faith, games began to be considered one of the manifestations of paganism, for which they were abolished in 394 BC.

rebirth

Fortunately, the games have not sunk into oblivion. We owe their revival to the well-known writer and public figure, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the creator of the modern concept of the Olympic Games. It happened in 1894 when, at the initiative of Coubertin, an international athletic congress was assembled. During it, it was decided to revive the games according to the standard of antiquity, as well as to establish the work of the IOC, that is, the International Olympic Committee.

The IOC began its existence on June 23 of the same year, and Demetrius Vikelas was appointed its first head, and Pierre Coubertin, already familiar to us, was its secretary. At the same time, the Congress developed the rules and regulations on which the games will exist.

First Modern Olympic Games

It is not surprising that Athens was chosen to host the first games of our time, because Greece is the ancestor of these competitions. It is interesting to note that Greece is a country, in which they were held in three centuries.

The first major competitions of modern times were opened on April 6, 1896. More than three hundred athletes took part in them, and the number of sets of awards exceeded four dozen. At the first games, competitions were held in the following sports disciplines:

Finished the games by the fifteenth of April. The awards were distributed as follows:

  • The absolute winner, who collected the largest number medals, namely forty-six, of which ten were gold, was Greece.
  • Second place by a decent margin from the winner was taken by the United States, collecting twenty awards.
  • Germany scored thirteen medals and finished third.
  • But Bulgaria, Chile and Sweden left the competition with nothing.

The success of the competition was so huge that the rulers of Athens were immediately invited to hold the games on their territory. However, according to the rules established by the IOC, the venue must change every four years.

Unexpectedly, the next two terms were quite difficult for the Olympiads, because their venues hosted world exhibitions, which made it difficult to receive guests. Due to the combination of these events, the organizers were afraid that the popularity of the games would quickly subside, however, everything was quite the opposite. People fell in love with such major competitions, and after that, on the initiative of the same Coubertin, traditions began to form, their flag and emblem were created.

Traditions of the Games and their symbols

most famous symbol has the form of five rings, having the same size and intertwined with each other. They go in the following sequence: blue, yellow, black, green and red. Such an unpretentious emblem carries deep meaning, showing the union of five continents and the meeting of people from all over the world. Interestingly, each Olympic Committee has developed its own emblem, however, five rings are certainly its main part.

The flag of the games appeared in 1894 and was approved by the IOC. The white flag features the five traditional rings. And the motto of the competition is: faster, higher, stronger.

Another symbol of the Olympics is fire. The lighting of the Olympic flame was traditional ritual before the start of any games. It is lit in the city in which the competitions are held, and burns there until they are over. This was done in ancient times, however, the custom did not return to us immediately, but only in 1928.

An integral part of the symbolism of these large-scale competitions is the mascot of the Olympiad. Each country has its own. The question of the appearance of talismans arose at the next meeting of the IOC in 1972. By decision of the committee it could be any person, beast or any mythical creature, which would not only fully reflect the identity of the country, but also speak of modern Olympiad values.

The advent of the winter games

In 1924, it was decided to establish winter competitions. Initially, they were held in the same year as the summer ones, however, later it was decided to postpone them for two years relative to the summer ones. France hosted the first Winter Games. Surprisingly, half the number of spectators became interested in them than expected, and not all tickets were sold out. Despite the previous failures, the winter Olympics more and more fell in love with the fans, and soon they gained the same popularity as the summer ones.

Interesting Facts from the history

Modern youth devotes little time to sports, not only professional, but also amateur level. There is an extensive network of competitions to promote sports. Today we will consider in which country the Olympic competitions originated, when they were held, the situation today.

In contact with

Sports competitions of antiquity

The date of the first Olympic Games (hereinafter referred to as the Olympic Games) is unknown, but preserved theirs is ancient greece. The heyday of Hellenic statehood led to the formation of a religious and cultural holiday, which for a time united the layers of an egoistic society.

The worship of the beauty of the human body was actively cultivated, enlightened people sought to achieve the perfection of forms. It is not for nothing that most of the marble statues of the Greek period depict beautiful men and women of that time.

Olympia is considered the first "sports" city of Hellas, here the winners of the championships were revered as full participants in the hostilities. In 776 B.C. the festival was revived.

The reason for the decline of the Olympic Games is the Roman expansion into the Balkans. With the spread of the Christian faith, such holidays began to be considered pagan. In 394, Emperor Theodosius I banned sports competitions.

Attention! Sports competitions included several weeks of neutrality - it was forbidden to declare or wage war. Every day was considered sacred, dedicated to the gods. It is not surprising that the Olympic Games originated in Hellas.

Prerequisites for the revival of the Olympic Games

The ideas of world championships never completely died out; England held tournaments and sports competitions of a local nature. The history of the Olympic Games of the 19th century is characterized by the holding of Olympia, the forerunner of modern competitions. The idea belongs to the Greeks: Sutsos and public figure Zappas. They made the first modern Olympic Games possible.

Archaeologists have discovered in the country where sports competitions originated, clusters of ancient monumental structures of unknown purpose. those years was very interested in antiquity.

Baron Pierre de Coubertin considered it inappropriate physical training soldier. In his opinion, this was the reason for the defeat in the last war with the Germans (the Franco-Prussian confrontation of 1870-1871). He sought to instill in the French a desire for self-development. He believed that young people should "break spears" in sports arenas, and not through military conflicts.

Attention! Excavations in Greece were carried out by a German expedition, so Coubertin succumbed to revanchist sentiments. His expression is “The German people found the remains of Olympia. Why does France not restore the fragments of its former power? ”, often serves as fair evidence.

Baron with a great heart

is the founder modern Olympic Games. Let's devote a few words to his biography.

Little Pierre was born on January 1, 1863 in the capital of the French Empire. The youth passed through the prism of self-education, visited a number of prestigious colleges England and America, considered sport an integral part of the development of a person as a person. He was engaged in rugby, was a judge of the first final of the French championship.

The history of the famous competitions was of interest to the then society, so Coubertin decided to hold world-class competitions. November 1892 was remembered for a speech at the Sorbonne University with a report. He was dedicated to the revival of the Olympic movement. Russian general Butovsky was imbued with the ideas of Pierre, as he held the same views.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) appoints de Coubertin general secretary, subsequently organization president. Work went hand in hand with an imminent marriage. In 1895, Marie Rothan became a baroness. The marriage brought two children: first-born Jacques and daughter Rene suffered from diseases nervous system. The Coubertin family ended after Marie's death at the age of 101. She lived with the knowledge that her husband revived the Olympic Games, held a prominent position.

With the beginning, Pierre went to the front, leaving social activities. Both of his nephews died en route to victory.

As head of the IOC, Coubertin often faced criticism. The public resented the "wrong" interpretation of the first Olympic Games, excessive professionalism. Many claimed that he abused power in dealing with issues of various kinds.

Great public figure died September 2, 1937 years in Geneva (Switzerland). His heart became part of a monument near the ruins of Greek Olympia.

Important! The Pierre de Coubertin medal has been awarded by the IOC since the death of the Honorary President. Worthy athletes are honored with this award for their nobility and adherence to the spirit of Fair Play.

Olympic revival

The French baron revived the Olympics, but the bureaucratic machine delayed the championship. Two years later, the French Congress made a historic decision: the first modern Olympic Games will pass on Greek soil. Reasons for this decision include:

  • the desire to "wipe the nose" of the German neighbor;
  • produce good impression to civilized countries;
  • championship in the undeveloped area;
  • the growing influence of France as a cultural and sports center of the Old World.

The first modern Olympic Games were held in the Greek city of Antiquity - Athens (1896). Sports competitions were crowned with success, 241 athletes expressed their desire to participate. The Greek side was so pleased with the attention from the world states that they offered to hold competitions “forever” in their historical homeland. The IOC also decided to rotate between countries in order to change the host every 4 years.

The first achievements were replaced by a crisis. The flow of spectators quickly dried up, as the competitions were held for several months. The first Olympiad in 1906 (Athens) saved the plight.

Attention! The national team arrived in the capital of France for the first time Russian Empire women were allowed to compete.

Irish-born Olympian

James ConnollyJames Connolly - first Olympic champion peace. Working hard from an early age, he was fond of contact sports.

He studied at Harvard University, without asking went on a cargo ship to the shores of Greece. Subsequently, he was expelled, but the first Olympiad succumbed to him.

With a score of 13 m and 71 cm, the Irishman was the strongest in the track and field triple jump. A day later, he won bronze in long jump and silver in high jump.

At home, he was waiting for the restored title of student, popularity and universal recognition as the first champion of modern famous competitions.

He was awarded the title of Doctor of Science in Literature (1949). He died at the age of 88 (January 20, 1957).

Important! The Olympic Games are held under the supervision of a unique symbol - five fastened rings. They symbolize the unity of all in the movement of sports excellence. Above are blue, black and red, below are yellow and green.

Situation today

Modern competitions are the founder of the culture of health and sports. Their popularity and demand is beyond doubt, and the number of participants and spectators of the competition is growing every year.

The IOC is trying to keep up with the times, has established many traditions that have taken root over time. Hosting sports competitions now filled with atmosphere"ancient" traditions:

  1. Grand performances at the opening and closing ceremonies. Everyone tries to hold them on a grand scale, and someone overdoes it.
  2. Solemn passage of athletes of each participating country. The Greek team always goes first, the rest are in alphabetical order.
  3. An outstanding athlete of the host country must take an oath of fair play for everyone.
  4. Ignition of a symbolic torch in the temple of Apollo (Greece). It runs through the participating countries. Each athlete must overcome his part of the relay.
  5. Medal presentation is full centuries old traditions, the winner rises to the podium, above which he rises state flag playing the national anthem.
  6. A prerequisite is the symbolism of the "first Olympiad". The host country is developing a stylized symbol of the sports holiday, which would reflect the national flavor.

Attention! The release of souvenir products can cover the costs of the event. Many European countries share their experience on how to gain without losing anything.

Many are interested in when the Olympic Games will take place, we hasten to satisfy the interest of readers.

The ceremony of lighting a symbolic torch in the temple

What year is the new championship

First Olympiad 2018 take place on the territory South Korea. Climatic features and rapid development have made it an ideal contender for hosting the Winter Games.

Summer takes Japan. The country of high technologies will provide safety and comfortable conditions for athletes from all over the world.

Football confrontation will be on the fields Russian Federation. Now most of the sports facilities have been completed, work is underway to equip them. hotel complexes. Improving infrastructure is a priority for the Russian government.

2018 Olympics in South Korea

prospects

Modern ways of development of these competitions suggest:

  1. Increasing the number of sports disciplines.
  2. propaganda healthy lifestyle life, social and charitable events.
  3. The introduction of advanced technologies for the convenience of holding festivities, enhancing the safety and comfort of participating athletes.
  4. Maximum distance from foreign policy intrigues.

First Olympic Games

1896 Olympics

Conclusion

Pierre de Coubertin is the founder of the modern Olympic Games. His obsession has helped save millions of lives as countries openly compete in the sporting arena. Keeping the peace was a priority late XIX century, and so it remains today.