The History of the Olympic Games
Long ago ancient Greeks often waged
wars.
Small states suffered and lost much even
if they did not take any side and stayed out
of wars. The ruler of such a small state, Elis,
wanted to live in peace with all neighbours.
He was a good diplomat because his negotiations
were successful and Elis was recognized a neutral
state. To celebrate this achievement, he organized
athletic games
In the beginning this feast lasted one day, but
later a whole month was devoted to it.
All wars and feuds were stopped by special
heralds who rode in all directions of Greece.
The games were held every four years in Olympia
on the territory of Elis. The first games
which later were called the Olympic Games were
held about a thousand years before our era.