---
title: "The first Olympics"
description: "Know that the Olympic Games began in ancient Greece at a place called Olympia as athletic competitions held in honour of Zeus, and that the modern Olympic Games we watch today were inspired by those a"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/history/the-first-olympics-mt_bKV2JYNwf7
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/history/the-first-olympics-mt_bKV2JYNwf7.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# The first Olympics

Know that the Olympic Games began in ancient Greece at a place called Olympia as athletic competitions held in honour of Zeus, and that the modern Olympic Games we watch today were inspired by those ancient games

Subject: History · Area: Ancient Greece & Rome · Ages 5 to 7
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/history/the-first-olympics-mt_bKV2JYNwf7

## Ready when they can

- Say that the Olympic Games started in ancient Greece at Olympia
- Name at least one sport or event from the ancient Olympics such as running or wrestling
- Explain that today's Olympic Games got the idea from the ancient Greek ones

## Lesson: The first Olympics

Long ago, people in Greece loved sports. They started special games at a place called Olympia. These games honored Zeus, the king of the gods.

*(drawing: The first Olympics had sports like running and wrestling.)*

**Example.** Nikos goes to Olympia to watch a race. Runners race fast to win a crown of leaves. This happened almost three thousand years ago.

**Tip.** Today's Olympic Games still use that same idea. Athletes from many countries still compete, just like long ago.

**Recap.** The first Olympics began in ancient Greece, at Olympia. Today's Games still follow that same idea.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Greek gods & Mount Olympus](https://lightmysky.com/learn/history/greek-gods-and-mount-olympus-mt_H1pAi4F_Oh)
- [Ancient Greece and Rome on the Map](https://lightmysky.com/learn/history/ancient-greece-and-rome-on-the-map-mt_mMMXD4v9Sh)

## Opens up

- [Athens Versus Sparta](https://lightmysky.com/learn/history/athens-versus-sparta-mt_CSGqz245rV)