The Olympic Games

1.In Antiquity
2.Revival of the Olympic Games
3.Modern Olympic Games

The Olympic Games ( Greek Ολυμπιακοί αγώνες , French  Jeux olympiques , English  Olympic Games ) are the largest international complex sports competitions that are held every 4 years under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The medal won at the Olympic Games is considered one of the highest achievements in sports.
The tradition of holding the Olympic Games, which existed in Ancient Greece , originated as part of a religious cult . The ancient Olympic Games were held in Olympia , which was considered a sacred place by the Greeks. The name of the games comes from Olympia. In the period from 776 BC. e. to 393 AD e. 292 Olympiads have been held. The holding of the 293rd Olympiad was canceled by the emperor of the Roman Empire Theodosius I , and the Olympic Games were banned as pagan.
The modern Olympic Games were revived in the late 19th century by French public figure Pierre de Coubertin . The Olympic Games, also known as the Summer Olympics , have been held every 4 years since 1896, except during the World Wars . In 1924, the Winter Olympic Games were established , which were originally held in the same year as the summer ones. However, since 1994, the timing of the Winter Olympics has shifted by two years from that of the Summer Games.
In Antiquity 
Main article: Ancient Olympic Games
The Olympic Games of Ancient Greece were a religious and sporting festival held in Olympia. Information about the origin of the games has been lost, but several myths describing this event have survived (according to legend, the games were established by Hercules ). Many documents, buildings and sculptures of that period have come down to us from history. The first documented celebration dates back to 776 BC. e. At the time of the Games, a sacred truce was declared , at which time it was impossible to wage war, although this rule was repeatedly violated. The Olympic Games essentially lost their importance with the advent of the Romans. After the second half of the III century, the popularity of games began to decline, in 394 under Emperor Theodosius Ithe last documented games were held, but in fact they still continued until the reign of the Byzantine emperor Theodosius II , when the temple of Zeus at Olympia burned down as a result of a strong fire in 426.
Revival of the Olympic Games 

Baron Pierre de Coubertin

Even after the cessation of ancient competitions, the Olympic idea did not disappear for good. For example, in England during the 17th century, "Olympic" competitions and competitions were repeatedly held. Later, similar competitions were organized in France (see Republican Olympics ) and Greece . However, these were small events that were, at best, regional in nature. The first true forerunners of the modern Olympic Games are the " Olympia ", which were held regularly during the period 1859-1888. The idea of ​​reviving the Olympic Games in Greece belonged to the poet Panagiotis Sutsos , brought to life by the public figure Evangelis Zappas .
In 1866, as a result of archaeological excavations in Olympia, sports and temple facilities were discovered. In 1875, archaeological research and excavations continued under German leadership. At that time, romantic-idealistic ideas about antiquity were in vogue in Europe. The desire to revive Olympic thinking and culture spread fairly quickly throughout Europe. The French baron Pierre de Coubertin ( fr.  Pierre de Coubertin ), later reflecting on the contribution of France, said: “ Germany unearthed what was left of ancient Olympia. Why can't France restore its old glory? ".
According to Coubertin, it was precisely the weak physical condition of the French soldiers that became one of the reasons for the defeat of the French in the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-1871 . He sought to change the situation by improving the physical culture of the French. At the same time, he wanted to overcome national selfishness and contribute to the struggle for peace and international understanding. The Youth of the World was supposed to face off in sports, not on the battlefield. The revival of the Olympic Games seemed in his eyes the best solution to achieve both goals.
At a congress held June 16-23, 1894 at the Sorbonne (University of Paris), he presented his thoughts and ideas to the international public. On the last day of the congress, it was decided that