When did the first recorded Olympic Games take place?

The first recorded Olympic Games took place in 776 B.C. This historic event marked the beginning of the ancient Olympic tradition, celebrated in Olympia, Greece. It is well-documented that the games were held in honor of Zeus and featured various athletic competitions among the city-states of Greece. The significance of 776 B.C. is further emphasized in ancient Greek chronology, which often used the Olympic Games as a reference point for dating other historical events. This established a rich cultural legacy that continues to influence the modern Olympic Games today.