Ancient / Classical History

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Ancient / Classical History

What's the Ancient History of the Olympic Torch?

By N.S. Gill, About.com

Question: What's the Ancient History of the Olympic Torch?

The modern Olympics have a torch relay ceremony that's central to the event. What was the ancient Olympic torch ceremony?

Answer: The ancient Olympics did not have a torch relay. The Olympic torch lighting event began in 1936 for the Berlin Olympics. There may have been torch events at other ancient panhellenic events and there was an Olympic flame, but not an Olympic torch relay.
More Ancient / Classical History Q&A

Explore Ancient / Classical History

About.com Special Features

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

The Business School Lowdown

Everything from choosing a school and applying, to employment after graduation. More >

Ancient / Classical History

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Ancient / Classical History
  4. Greece and Rome
  5. Ancient Greece
  6. Olympics in Ancient Greece
  7. Olympic Torch - What's the Ancient History of the Olympic Torch

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.