Ancient Greeks stopped their wars to hold the Olympic Games.

Olympics were always at Olympia.

The Olympics were only open to Greek citizens and athletes from other Mediterranean countries.

Events for women have become a major interest in modern Olympics and receive honours equal to those received by the males.

Women were not all to take part in the Olympic Games for many years.

Only an art exhibition is held, but it is chiefly a symbol

Ancient Greeks furthered their culture by giving honours for cultural achievement at the Olympic Games.

Present Olympic contests: bicycle, canoe, yacht racing, soccer, basketball, judo, rifle shooting and water polo, were unknown in ancient times. The modern pentathlon tests a persons' ability in, swimming, cross-country, fencing, horse - show jumping and target pistol shooting.

Footraces, jumping, discus and javelin throwing, boxing, wrestling and other sports were carried over from the original Olympic Games.

Development of the marathon which originated from the Ancient Greeks.

In 490 B.C, the Athenians defeated an army of invading Persian¡¦s at Marathon. From there, Pheidppides a champion runner in the Olympics, carried the news of their victory to the people of Athens. To do this he had to run great distance across hill and valley. As he gasped out the words of victor, he died. It is in his honour that the marathon is run.