The original Games were held far from Vancouver near the temple of Zeus in Olympia southwest of Athens. The games began as part of a religious festival with the physical contests scheduled among processions, sacrifices and altar rituals.
According to reporter Peggy Fletcher Stack of the Salt Lake Tribune, the feats of prowess and agility were meant to please Zeus: "Soon games were held at several sacred spots in the Greek city-states, including Nemea, Delphi and Corinth, and honored their gods -- Zeus, Apollo and Poseidon."
It was another kind of competition that put an end to Olympic Games in A.D. 393 after more than 1,000 years: Christianity vs. paganism. In a single edict, Holy Roman Emperor Theodosius, fearful of the continuing popularity of pagan festivals, including the Olympics, abolished the games.
Read more about religious elements of the modern games.
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