From olympia to Berlin: The transformation of the olympic games from sacred ritual to political spectacle

AbstractThis paper explores the historical evolution of the Olympic Games, tracing their transformation from religious and athletic rituals in ancient Greece to a stage for ideological propaganda in the 20th century, focusing particularly on the 1936 Berlin Olympics under the Nazi regime. Drawing on classical sources and modern historical accounts, it examines how the Olympics shifted in purpose, values, and international significance, becoming a powerful tool for nationalism and political messaging. The study also critiques how ideals of amateurism, equity, and internationalism were shaped and distorted by political agendas.