The Olympic torch is lit in the way of the ancient ceremony and the temple of Hera, Greece. Actresses wear costumes of Greek priestesses and use a parabolic mirror and sun rays to light the torch. Then the torch is usually carried by runners to the host city.
The relay torch and the Olympic flame are supposed to burn during the entire event.

The Olympic torch

Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the co-founder of the modern Olympic Games, designed the Olympic symbol. The five rings represent the five inhabited continents of the world.
The six colours - blue, yellow, black, green, red, and white background - were chosen because each country's national flag contains at least one of them.

The Olympic symbol

In the 8th century B.C., the first Olympic Games took place in Olympia, Greece. They were held every four years for 12 centuries and lasted five or six months. The athletes competed naked.
But in the 4th century A.D, Emperor Theodosius I banned all pagan festivals, and the Olympics came to an end.

Ancient Olympic Games

Johnny Weissmuller, an athlete and actor who played Tarzan in 12 movies, won five gold medals in swimming in the 1920s. From 1912 - 1948, painters, sculptors, architects, writers, and musicians also participated in the Olympics in their respective fields.

Tarzan competed in the Olympics

<ul><li>The first modern Olympics were held in 1896 in Greece. The official languages of the games are English and French, complemented by the host country's official language.</li><li>In 1900, women were allowed to compete in the Olympics. The 2012 London Games were the first Olympics in which all participating countries sent female athletes.</li><li>From 1924 - 1992, the Winter and Summer Olympics took place in the same year. Now they alternate every two years.</li></ul>

Olympic Games resurrected

Even if you don’t care much about sports, these 24 facts about the Olympics will blow your mind. Or at least keep you occupied until the pizza guy arrives.

Ancient Olympic Games

Facts about the Olympics that will blow your mind

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