At the holy site of Olympia, the first Olympic Games were held and dedicated to Zeus. Filled with photographs, drawings, and maps, this book explores the natural environment of the sanctuary and the important political and cultural role it played. Archaeological discoveries give a fascinating picture of ancient Olympia whose legacy of peaceful competition and athletic excellence lives on. The first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896 and, since then, the number of nations competing has grown from fourteen to more than two hundred. In addition to numerous illustrations, this book includes fascinating essays that offer a global perspective on the phenomenon that the Olympic Games have become and trace its evolution from a great idea to a grand spectacle. With hundreds of photographs and illustrations it looks at aspects of the Games from the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924 to the first politically charged Olympics in Berlin in 1936; from rituals and commercialization to the inclusion of women, Jews, and blacks; from doping scandals to the triumph of the Paralympics. Interspersed with the illustrations are fascinating essays that gather the latest information, records, and research making this one of the most comprehensive and up-to-date books on the topic.