The primary function of the Olympic Games in ancient Greece was to honor the god Zeus and celebrate athletic excellence. Held in Olympia every four years, the games were a major religious festival featuring various competitions, including running, wrestling, and chariot racing, attracting participants from across the Greek city-states. Beyond showcasing physical prowess, the Olympic Games fostered unity and a sense of shared identity among the often-warring city-states. Victors were celebrated as heroes and were often rewarded with laurels, maintaining a rich cultural and spiritual significance that resonated with ancient Greek values.