The era of the Olympic Games began in Olympia, an ancient site in Greece in 776 BC. The Olympiad formed the base for the Greek Calendar, the four-year period between the events. Though, several scholars have claimed that the 776 BC games were not the first but rather they were first held after they were organized into festivals held after every four years in effect to the peace agreement between the city- states of Pisa and Elis.

The games continued to be held after every four years from 776 BC to 393 AD, until abolished by the Christian Byzantine Emperor Theodosius. The ancient games lasted for 1170 years.

The successful campaign to revive the Olympics Games was started late in the 19^th century in France by Baron Pierre de Coubertin. The first modern Summer Games were held on March 24, 1896, in Athens, Greece. The first race was won by a college student named James Connolly from America.  Today 16 centuries later, the esteemed event attracts the best of the sportspersons from all over the world.

2016 Events

The stunning city of Brazil, Rio will play the hosts this year to the Summer Games. The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place on August 5, 2016 in the Maracanã Stadium. A record number of nations are competing in a record number of sports this year. Over 10,500 athletes from 206 countries along with debutants Kosovo and South Sudan are taking part in the prestigious event. Rio will play the hosts to the grand event for the first time, becoming the first South American city to achieve the feat.

With 306 set of medals, the Summer Games will feature 28 sports this year.

Venues

In Rio, Barra da Tijuca will play the host to most of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The rest of the games have been located in three other zones of the host city Maracanã, Deodoro and Copacabana Beach. Barra da Tijuca will also be home to the Olympic Village.

Some of the football games are to be played in the cities of São Paulo - Arena Corinthians, Manaus - Arena da Amazônia, Salvador - Arena Fonte Nova, Brasília - Estádio Nacional and Belo Horizonte – Mineirão.

Athletes' Village

The Athletes Village this year is assumed to be the largest ever in the history of the Olympics. The fittings comprise of 80,000 chairs, 70,000 tables, 60,000 cloth hangers, 29,000 mattresses, 10,000 smartphones and 6,000 television sets.

Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro – Located at the heart of opulent Zona Sul and by the boundary of the stunning Arpoador and Ipanema beaches, Fasano offers some of the most stunning views and scenic views specially from the bar and rooftop pool.

 Hotel Santa Teresa – Santa might have the breezes of a hillside retreat but is no less than any five star hotel when it comes to amenities offered. It’s the ideal spot for anyone keen to witness a less sandy side of Rio.

 La Suite by Dussol – The privacy, exclusivity and gorgeous views across the ocean makes it easy to understand why La Suite plays host to some of the top A-Listed celebrities across the world. The upscale hotel consists of 7 suites and is located at the Joatinga hills.

There are numerous other hotels as well you can check out while planning your trip to the Olympics.

Points of Interests

Christ the Redeemer – Standing atop 710 meter Corcovado Peak, “Cristo Redentor” stands with stretched arms and gazing serenely over Rio. Built in 1922, the soapstone statue is assumed to be the largest genre designed statue in the world.

Copacabana – Relish the sunning and relaxing experience of the beautiful beach alongside the luscious views and bars, hotels, restaurants lined by the beach.

Ipanema Beach – Famed by the song "The Girl from Ipanema," the globally renowned beach offers the foreigners the perfect sense of life of the people in Rio with the typical Chic boutiques, eateries and luxurious apartment buildings of the city being displayed in cross-section.