Ancient Olympia was the site of the ancient Olympic Games in Greece from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD. Located in a valley by the Alfeios River in Elis, Western Peloponnese, it contained temples, a stadium, and other buildings related to the Olympics. The Olympics were one of the most famous of the Panhellenic Games and brought together athletes and spectators from throughout the Greek world every four years to compete in sports and celebrate the ancient Greek ideals of competition and culture.