Why did ancient Greece stop war for the Olympics?
The Greeks highly valued physical perfection and and athletic
prowess. These games were of supreme importance to them. With the
"Olympic Truce," established in the 9th century, the Greeks began a
sacred tradition of peace before, during, and after the Olympic
games so that spectators could travel safely to and from events,
and the games would not be interrupted. Even legal disputes were
banished.
In 1996 attempts began to revive this tradition.
For a more complete discussion of the Olympic Truce and the
importance of the Olympic games in ancient Greek culture, please
refer to the links below: