The four yearly cycle of the modern Olympics has in the past few decades been disrupted by global warfare, terrorist outrage and political boycott. Revived in 1896 as a form for peaceful competition between the finest athletes in the world, the Games have also reflected national rivalries. Even in ancient Greece, where the original Olympics took place, there had been feuds among its states. But once every four years in the month of july, internal warfare was formally suspended and the athletes and the interested people moved towards Olympia. Today the ruins of Olympia still stand testimony to the glory of the Games. The site lies in the south of Greece. Archeological evidence indicates that Olympia was a place of worship even in prehistoric times. Later, it became particularly associated with festivities honoring Zeus, greatest of gods - who started a tradition of games at Olympia. Whatever the reality behind the legend is. history records that in 776 BC. The warring kings signed a sacred peace pact. To honor their contract, foot races were held at Olympia. The names of the winning contestants were written down, and the records of the Olympics provide the central chronology of Ancient Greek history. The Games expanded over the centuries. To the original foot races were added races on horseback and in chariots, jumping and throwing events, and several forms of unarmed combat. In the 5th century BC, a fixed programmer was agreed, with separate contests for men and for boys. The Games had become the supreme festival in ancient Greece. Women were not allowed to compete in the main Games. They had a separate four yearly festival held in honor of Hera, wife of Zeus. During these celebrations, also held at Olympia, a foot race was organized for women, but it was entirely unrelated to the main festival. The only exception to the ban on women occurred in the chariot races, where the owner of the horses rather than the charioteer was considered the winner. Women could and did win as owners though they were never allowed to take part themselves. When the ceremony was over, the Olympic champions would walk in a majestic procession. The cheering of their admirers was tumultuous.