A tradition that endured millennia. The ancient Olympic Games began in 776 BC and took place every four years until at least 396 AD. It was a major religious and sporting festival, attended by over 40,000 spectators who flocked to watch athletes compete in sports like wrestling, chariot racing and athletics. Matt Lewis is joined by Dr Nigel Spivey to explore the history of the ancient Olympic games, delving into its various origin stories and outlining how the games evolved over a thousand years of history. What was competing and spectating at the games like for ordinary people? What was the significance of the Olympic Games on wider Hellenic society? Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Hosted by: Matt Lewis Edited by: Tim Astall Produced by: Joseph Knight, Peta Stamper, Matt Lewis, Robin McConnell Senior Producer: Anne-Marie Luff Production Coordinator: Beth Donaldson Executive Producers: Etienne Bouvier, Julien Fabre, Steve Lanham, Jen Bennett Music: Legend Of The Eagle Bearer by The Flight & Mike Georgiades Kephalonnia Island by The Flight & Mike Georgiades Revenge Of The Wolves by The Flight Markos by The Flight & Mike Georgiades If you liked this podcast please subscribe, share, rate & review. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.