How the Olympics Began
sports report
in the beginning
According to historical records, the first ancient Olympic Games can be traced back to 776 BC. They were dedicated to the Olympian gods and were staged on the ancient plains of Olympia. They continued for nearly 12 centuries, until Emperor Theodosius decreed in 393 A.D. that all such "pagan cults" be banned.
events & wear
the ancient Olympic events include running, , long jump, shot put, javelin, boxing, pankration and equestrian events. They original athletes wore little to no clothing.An ancient inscription records that the first athlete to compete nude in the Olympics held in 70 B.C. Orsippos began the race wearing traditional athletic garment--a perizoma, a type of loincloth held up by a band of fabric that went around the athletes waist. The story goes that if fell off of him while he was running, and after his victory it was declared that athletes should compete naked.