The first recorded document of the Olympic Games ever taking place is in 776 BC in the city of Olympia, the centre of Greek civilisation. These games were part of a religious festival honouring Zeus, the king of the Greek gods and goddesses. Athletes from various Greek city-states came to Olympia to compete in games like running, long jump, shot put, javelin, wrestling, boxing and chariot racing. The ancient Olympics were held every four years, a tradition that continues today. 

The history of the Olympics goes beyond sports. The purpose of the games was to honour Greek culture and bring peace and unity among the often-warring city states. The games were so important that a special period of peace called the “ekecheiria” or the “Olympic Peace” was declared so that athletes could travel safely to Olympia. This tradition continues to inspire even today. Before each edition of the Games, the United Nations General Assembly adopts the Olympic Truce. 

Despite being hugely popular among civilians and having cultural significance, the ancient Olympic Games eventually declined when Greece was conquered by Rome in the 2nd century AD. Although the Romans didn't participate in the games, they kept them around because of their cultural significance. But, by the 4th century AD, the Olympic Games had ceased to exist. As Roman power increased, Emperor Theodosius, who distrusted and saw the ancient games as barbaric, banned them in 393 AD to promote Christianity. 

Fast forward to the 19th century, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, a French educator and historian inspired by the ancient Olympic Games revived the Games. He believed that he could build a peaceful and better world through sport. He established the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894. Two years later, the first modern Olympic Games took place in Athens, Greece, in 1896. 

At the first modern Olympics, 241 athletes (all men) from 14 countries competed in 43 competitions. Unlike the ancient Games, the modern Olympic Games included a wider range of sports and welcomed participants from all over the world. The success of the Olympic Games in Athens in 1896 laid the foundation for the global event that we know today. 

The modern Olympic Games have undergone many changes since their revival in 1896. The number of countries and athletes who participated has grown. In the Paris 1900 Olympic Games, women participated for the very first time and in 1924, the introduction of the Winter Olympics in Chamonix, France helped expand the scope of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to include winter sports. 

Technological advances have also changed the Olympic Games for the better. From electronic timer systems to instant playback and anti-doping measures, modern technology has made the Games fairer and more interesting for anyone watching them around the world. The addition of new sports such as climbing, karate, skateboarding and surfing in Tokyo 2020 also helps keep the Olympic Games relevant and exciting for younger generations.

The Olympic Games 2024 took place in Paris, France, marking the third time the City of Lights has hosted this prestigious event. The event introduced a range of new initiatives focused on sustainability and inclusivity. These games are set to achieve carbon neutrality, setting a new standard for environmentally conscious events. This year, the Games emphasised gender equality, with 28 out of 32 sports being open to both men and women. The closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics was on August 11, 2024, and it showcased the promising future of the Games. 

Learning about the history of the Olympics is a great way to improve your English comprehension and vocabulary. But if you want to immerse yourself in the host city's culture, join EP Paris! Located in the heart of Paris, EP Paris offers you a unique opportunity not only to improve your English skills but also master French, the first official language of the Olympic Games. Imagine if you could confidently explore the city, have interesting conversations with the locals and encourage your favourite athletes and teams in both English and French at the LA 2028 Summer Olympics! 

At EP Paris, all our attractive courses are taught by experienced teachers trained to help students of all levels improve their language skills. Embrace the spirit of international understanding supported by the Olympic Games and discover the power of language with EP Paris. Learn more about EP Paris to start your language-learning journey today!