Birthplace of the Olympics

The ancient Olympic games were held in the Greek city of Olympia beginning in 776 BC. As a place of athletic competition, Olympia had a complex with a gymnasium, swimming pool and baths.

Caption goes here
Photo Credit: Aschwin Prein

Archaeological excavations at Olympia in the late 19th century by German archaeologist Ernst Curtius generated great public interest in ancient Greece, eventually resulting in the re-institution of the Olympic Games.

The Walking Tour of Olympia illustrates gymnasium buildings, temples, villas, the Olympic flame, and the stadium entrance, where the athletes marched in the parades.

• Olympia, definition and bibliography
• A Walking Tour of Olympia
• History of the Olympics
• Beijing 08: Live the Olympics, About.com's Olympics Coverage

Added: I just got word that The Biblical Archaeology Society compiled a free, downloadable E-Book dedicated to the origins of the ancient Olympic Games. They tell me "It is a collection of articles written for them by scholars in the field, such as Stephen Miller, who excavated the site at Nemea." The book can be downloaded at The Olympic Games: How They All Began, if you'll sign up for the weekly e-newsletter of the BAS.