History of the Olympic Games

This document gives a simple and didactic explanation about how one of the greatest contemporary sports events has developed. It shows the similarities and differences between the modern and ancient Olympic Games, using the example of the sports programme, which has expanded over time.

It all started in the Peloponnese, in Greece, around 3,000 years ago. In these pages, you will find out what it meant to be an athlete at that time, which sports were on the programme and the prizes awarded to the winners.

Find out about the legacy left by the Olympic Games in this document: infrastructure, transport, the environment, technology, the economy, education, etc.

From the athletes who made their names at the ancient Games to the sports practised at the time, this document retraces the origins of the Olympic Games, between history and mythology.

When was the first torch relay organised? What are the strangest routes the Olympic flame has taken? This document provides this kind of information, as well as the key facts and figures concerning the torch relay.

The Olympic Village is a central element in the organisation of the Games: it brings together athletes from throughout the world in one place and offers accommodation adapted to their needs. This document retraces the evolution of Olympic Villages since they appeared in Paris in 1924. Dive into the atmosphere of these places thanks to mosaics of images, and learn more about the concept, the services proposed and the technical characteristics of each Village.