After the Roman Empire conquered Greece in the mid-2nd century B.C., the Games continued, but their standards and quality declined. … In A.D. 393, Emperor Theodosius I, a Christian, called for a ban on all “pagan” festivals, ending the ancient Olympic tradition after nearly 12 centuries.

When did the ancient Games start and end?

Although the ancient Games were staged in Olympia, Greece, from 776 BC through 393 AD, it took 1503 years for the Olympics to return. The first modern Olympics were held in Athens, Greece, in 1896.

Why are the Olympics every four years?

The Olympic Games are held every fours to respect the ancient origins of the Olympic Games, which were held every four years at Olympia. The four-year interval between the Ancient Games editions was named an “Olympiad”, and was used for dating purposes. Time was counted in Olympiads rather than years at the time.