The main purpose of the ancient Greek Olympics, which originated in 776 BCE, was to honor the Greek god Zeus and foster unity among the various city-states of Greece. Held every four years in Olympia, the games provided an opportunity for athletes to showcase their physical abilities and compete in events such as running, wrestling, and chariot racing. Beyond athletic excellence, the Olympics served as a platform for cultural exchange and diplomacy, as warring city-states would often declare truces to allow safe passage for athletes and spectators.