The ancient Olympic Games originated in 776 BC in Greece and were attributed to the gods, featuring a series of athletic competitions exclusively for men where winners received olive branches. The modern Olympics began in Athens in 1896 with 241 participants from 14 nations and have since grown significantly to over 10,500 competitors representing 204 countries.

1. Ancient Olympic
Games

2. The first Olympics is traditionally dated
to 776 BC

3. During the time of the ancient games
their origins were attributed to the
gods

4. Series of athletic competitions

5. Women were not allowed to
participate or see the competitions

6. The winner of an Olympic event was
awarded an olive branch

7. The first Games was hosted in the
Panathenaic Stadium in Athens in 1896

8. From 241 participants representing 14
nations in 1896

9. The Games have grown to about
10,500 competitors from 204 nations