The Olympic Games began in ancient Greece, with the first recorded ancient Olympics traditionally dated to 776 BC at Olympia, and the first modern Olympics held in Athens in 1896.

Quick Scoop: When did the Olympics start in history?

Ancient Olympic Games

  • The earliest recorded Olympic Games took place in 776 BC in Olympia, in the Peloponnese region of ancient Greece.
  • These Games were part of a religious festival held in honour of Zeus and organised by the city‑state of Elis.
  • Athletes from different Greek city‑states competed in events like running and other athletic contests; the first known champion was Coroebus (Koroibos) of Elis, a cook who won a sprint race.
  • The Games were held every four years (a tradition that continues today in the Summer Olympics).

How long did the ancient Games last?

  • The ancient Olympics grew in importance and had become a major pan‑Hellenic festival by the end of the 6th century BCE.
  • They gradually declined in popularity under Roman rule and were officially abolished around 400 CE because of their pagan religious associations.

Birth of the modern Olympics

  • In the late 19th century, French educator Pierre de Coubertin led the revival of the Olympic idea, inspired by the ancient Games.
  • He helped found the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894 to organise regular international Games.
  • The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece, from 6 to 15 April 1896, bringing together athletes from multiple nations.

Ancient vs modern start dates (at a glance)

  • First recorded ancient Olympic Games: 776 BC , Olympia (religious festival for Zeus, Greek city‑states only).
  • First modern Olympic Games: 1896 , Athens (international multi‑sport event under the IOC).

In everyday history talk, when people ask “when did the Olympics start in history,” they usually mean either the traditional ancient date of 776 BC or the modern restart in 1896—both are historically important “starting points.”

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.