The Olympic flame

and the ancient Olympic games

In ancient times the Olympic games took on a religious significance. The grounds on which the games took place were sacred. In Elis, temples were dedicated to the gods. Such as, the temple of Zeus, which was one of the largest in mainland Greece. It housed one of the SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD, the gold and ivory statue of Zeus by Phidias. Another, was the temple dedicated to Hera. A statue of Hermes and the young Dionysus of Praxiteles. In Elis, people gathered to worship their gods and every four years the Olympic games were held in honour of the gods.

As well as a religious importance, the games were held in memory and honour of a Greek hero. One story in Greek Mythology tells us of how Pelops, one of the founders of the Olympic games, held the chariot race every four years as an Olympic event in honour and in memory of Oenimaus. His was a tradition that was preserved throughout ancient Greek times. The same was done by Alexander the Great. After every victory, Alexander the Great organized athletic events in order to acknowledge the gods and to honour the heroes that died during a combat.

The connection that existed between religion and burial traditions is due to the belief of the ancient Greeks that, the relationship between life and death is dialectic. From the lifeless ground, birth is given to a bud. The symbol that represents the idea that life and death are connected is the sacred Olympic Flame. Every four years when the ancient Olympic games were held, the Olympic Flame was lit symbolizing the re-birth of the spirit of the dead heroes and burned endlessly during the events held.