Ancient Olympia is best understood as a sacred landscape rather than the birthplace of modern sport in the narrow sense. The archaeological site lies in the western Peloponnese, in the valley formed by the Alpheios and Kladeos rivers, at the foot of Mount Kronios. UNESCO records prehistoric settlement in the valley and describes the sanctuary as a major centre of worship, politics and social life. The place became especially associated with Zeus, and its buildings served priests, administrators, athletes, guests and pilgrims. The modern town of Olympia is nearby, but the excavated sanctuary is a distinct site with its own entrance, ticket and visiting hours.
The Olympic Games are traditionally dated to 776 BC, the first recorded Olympiad, and UNESCO says they were held regularly until AD 393. They took place every four years and drew participants from across the Greek world. The event cannot be separated from the religious festival and the political relationships among city-states; it was not simply an ancient version of a modern stadium competition. Understanding that context changes the walk: the ruins represent a whole institution, where worship, athletic preparation, administration and accommodation were arranged around the Altis, the sacred precinct.
