The ancient Olympic games were held to celebrate the Greek Gods
every four years between 776 BC. and 393 AD on the plains of
Olympia. The games, simple by today's standards, included such
sports as running (various distances), long jump, shot put,
javelin toss, discus, wrestling, boxing, martial arts and
equestrian events. Although women were not allowed to
participate in the ancient Olympic Games, a separate event held
every four years, the Herean Games, offered women an opportunity
to compete with each other. The ancient Olympic games gathered
athletes and spectators from throughout the region, including
many cities often at war with each other. Even during times of
warfare, truces were called during the duration of the games,
and all athletes and their families were provided safe passage
through disputed territories.In April, 1896, the first modern
Olympic Games were held. The site was Athens, Greece, to pay
tribute to the ancient origins of the Games. Athletes competed
in 43 events in 9 sporting categorie