Where were the ancient Olympic Games traditionally held?

The ancient Olympic Games were traditionally held at Olympia in Greece.

Olympia was a sanctuary dedicated primarily to Zeus in the western Peloponnese. The games were part of a religious festival and included athletic contests, sacrifices, ceremonies, and artistic traditions. Ancient sources traditionally date the first recorded Olympiad to 776 BCE.

Competitors came from Greek city-states and colonies, and the festival was held every four years. Events included running, wrestling, boxing, pankration, chariot racing, and the pentathlon. The Olympic truce helped travelers reach the festival safely during the games.

The ancient games ended in the late fourth century CE, after Christianity became dominant in the Roman Empire. The modern Olympic Games began in Athens in 1896, but they are a revival rather than a continuous event held at Olympia.