Which ancient civilization held the first recorded Olympic Games?

Ancient Greece held the first recorded Olympic Games.

The ancient Olympic Games were athletic and religious festivals held at Olympia in the Greek region of Elis. The earliest traditionally recorded games took place in 776 BC, although athletic contests at Olympia may have existed earlier. The festival honored Zeus, the chief god in ancient Greek religion.

Competitors came from Greek cities and colonies and took part in events such as footraces, wrestling, boxing, pankration, chariot racing, and the pentathlon. The games were connected with religious ceremonies, sacrifices, and political traditions. A truce was associated with the festival to help athletes and spectators travel safely.

The ancient games continued for many centuries before being discontinued in late antiquity. The modern Olympic Games began in Athens in 1896, organized under the International Olympic Committee. Modern Olympics draw inspiration from antiquity but are not a direct continuation of the ancient festival’s rules or religious purpose.