From as long ago as the 3rd millenium BC, athletes gathered in a sanctuary at Olympia with other people. Later, during the second millenium there was a cult centre with its rites up to the time when Olympia became a famous sanctuary of Zeus. The priests of the oracle accompanied the generals in the battlefield. From the earliest times running contests took place, which eventually grew more important than the oracle. Finally Olympia was not only a place for athletic events, but also for meeting significant artists, historians and philosophers. Politicians used the opportunity to make proclamations in favour of peace. New excavations have revealed a large building, which was probably built by Nero and his successors. The discovery of a bronze indicates that the games were being held even as late as the 4th century A.D.
- Direction: ELLI KRIESCH
- Production: BAYERISCHER RUNDFUNK
