the space or period of four years, whereby the Greeks reckoned time. See ASTRONOMY, p. 493.

OLYMPIC GAMES were solemn games, famous among the ancient Greeks, so called from Olympian Jupiter, to whom they were dedicated; and by some said to be first instituted by Jupiter, after his victory over the sons of Titan; others ascribe their institution to Hercules, not the son of Alcmena, but one of much greater antiquity; others, to Pelops; and others, to Hercules the son of Alcmena. These games were so considerable, that the Greeks made them their epocha, distinguishing their years by the return of the olympics.

The care and management of these games belonged, for the most part, to the Eleans, who, on that account, enjoyed their possessions without molestation, or fear of war or violence. They appointed a certain number of judges, who were to take care that those who offered themselves as competitors performed their preparatory exercises; and these judges, during the solemnity, sat naked, having before them a crown of victory, formed of wild-olive, which was presented to whomsoever they adjudged it. Those who were conquerors, were called Olympionices, and were loaded with honours by their countrymen. At these games women were not allowed to be present; and if any woman was found to have passed the river Alpheus, during the solemnity, she was to be thrown headlong from a rock.