Games History

The Olympic Games from ancient Greece to modern times. Articles trace the evolution through key host cities and significant sporting moments.

1896 Athens Olympics

The 1896 Athens Olympics brought back the ancient Games after 1,502 years, held at the historic Panathenaic Stadium with 43 events and 245 competitors.

Olympics 1900 to 1920

Women first competed at the 1900 Olympics while early Games were overshadowed by world's fairs and barely recognised as official events.

Olympics 1924 to 1940

How the 1924 Paris Olympics transformed the Games with the first Olympic village, new traditions and record-breaking performances.

Olympics 1948 to 1960

Post-war Olympics revived in London 1948 as TV era begins, followed by Cold War tensions in Helsinki 1952.

Olympics 1964 to 1980

Asia hosted the Olympics for the first time in 1964 Tokyo, marked by satellite broadcasts and unforgettable athletic performances.

Olympics 1984 to 2000

Cold War tensions shaped the Olympics from 1984 to 2000, with boycotts and doping scandals defining the era.

Olympics: 2004 to 2012

How the 2004 Athens Olympics made history by returning to where the ancient Games began and saw Michael Phelps win a record eight medals.

The Ancient Games

Ancient Greek athletes competed at Olympia every four years under strict rules, training for months and swearing sacred oaths to honour Zeus.

The Modern Olympic Games

How the Olympic Games were revived across Europe before Athens 1896, with attempts in France, Greece, Scandinavia and England.