were solemn games 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 Olympic games.

The care and management of the Olympics 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 should perform 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, during the solemnity, to have passed the river Alpheus, she was to be thrown headlong from a rock.