The Olympics trace their origins to ancient times in Greece's Peloponnese region about 3000 years ago, where sporting competitions held in Olympia every four years became known as the Olympic Games.

While the exact start date remains unclear, written sources often mention 776 BC. The Games' origins are intertwined with mythology. The period between Ancient Games editions, known as an "Olympiad," served as a dating system.

In 1894, Frenchman Pierre de Coubertin proposed reviving the Olympic Games. The first modern Olympics were held in 1896 in Athens, marking their revival. Paris previously hosted the Olympics in 1924.