The Olympic Games are a major international sporting event that takes place every four years. The Games bring together athletes from around the world to compete in a variety of sports and promote international understanding and goodwill. The modern Olympic Games were inspired by the ancient Olympic Games, which were held in Olympia, Greece, from the 8th century BCE to the 4th century CE. The modern Olympic Games were first held in Athens, Greece, in 1896, and they have been held regularly since then, with a few exceptions due to World Wars. The Games include both summer and winter editions, alternating every two years. The Summer Olympics feature a wide range of sports, including track and field, swimming, gymnastics, soccer, and many others. The Winter Olympics include sports like skiing, ice hockey, figure skating, and more.