The Olympic Games stretch all the way from footraces in ancient Greece to the modern Summer and Winter Games watched around the world. This Olympics quiz covers the ancient origins, the founder of the modern movement, famous symbols and traditions, and a few unforgettable moments, including some big American ones. Every answer is settled history, so it's a fun pick between events or during any Olympic year.
The Olympics began as a religious festival in ancient Greece, where athletes from rival city-states competed in running, wrestling, chariot racing and more. Winners earned olive wreaths and lasting fame back home. After the ancient Games faded away, the idea was revived in the late 1800s as an international competition meant to promote friendship between nations through sport, and it has grown dramatically ever since.
Today the Olympic program covers dozens of sports, and new ones are added or dropped over time, which keeps each Games a little different. The Summer and Winter Games used to be held in the same year, but since 1994 they have alternated every two years, so there's an Olympics to look forward to more often. The Paralympic Games follow in the same host city, adding another chapter of remarkable athletes.
A handy way to remember Olympic history is to connect each famous moment to the world around it, since the Games often reflected the politics, technology and culture of their era. Ceremonies, symbols and traditions are worth knowing too, because many of them were invented in the modern era even though they feel ancient. That blend of old and new is what makes the Olympics such rich trivia.