When were the first Olympic Games held?

According to ancient records, the only event at the first Games was the stadion, a sprint of about 192 metres, won by a cook named Koroibos of Elis. The Games were held every four years in honour of Zeus, and wars were paused under a sacred truce so athletes and spectators could travel safely. Over time events grew to include wrestling, boxing, chariot racing and the pankration, a brutal mix of boxing and wrestling. The ancient Games continued for more than 1,000 years until they ended in the late 4th century AD under the Christian Roman emperor Theodosius I. They were revived in 1896, when 241 athletes from 14 nations competed in Athens.