Question

What was the purpose of the original Olympic games?

a.
The Olympics were intended to bring together all the city-states to celebrate their existence.

b.
The Greeks used the Olympics to show their enemies how strong and powerful they were so they wouldn't attack Greece.

c.
The Greeks held the athletic games to honor Zeus, king of the gods.

d.
The Olympics were a tribute to the harvest and a celebration of olive oil and wine.

Answer 1

The Greeks held the athletic games to honour Zeus.

Answer 2

The answer is: The Greeks held the athletic games to honor Zeus.

The Olympics were intended to be a solemn ceremony where ancient Greek belief gave honor to one of the major Gods: Zeus. While these games were held, all differences from the city-states were conciliated. All political hostilities were paused. Unity was promoted by reinforcing cultural religious practices from the Hellenic world. The Olympic stadium was attributed to Heracles building the place as a temple for worship to Zeus. The ruins we see today are a historical record for a major sanctuary from the time.