The Olympic Games originated in ancient Greece around 776 BC. They were held in Olympia, a sanctuary site dedicated to Zeus, and featured athletic competitions among city-states. The Games were initially a religious festival celebrating Zeus, and over time, they evolved into a prestigious series of athletic contests. Competitors from various Greek city-states participated in events such as running, wrestling, and chariot racing. The Games not only fostered a sense of unity and peace among the often-warring city-states but also celebrated physical prowess and encouraged cultural exchange throughout the Greek world.