After 108 years the Olympic Games returned to its home for its second time in the Mediterranean for a record breaking Olympiad. More than 10 000 athletes competed for the ultimate in sport acknowledgement.
In the ancient Olympic Games, it was a purely celebratory affair to pay homage to the god, Zeus. However, much of that has been lost over the past centuries, but not all.
First of all, the Olympic Torch is a definite mythological symbol which is present at every Olympiad. It symbolises the death and rebirth of Greek heroes. The flame is always ignited at the ancient Olympic stadium in Olympia, Elis in Greece and flown to the hosting city.
For the first time ever, the flame was taken across the globe this year in a 78 day journey.
The Olympic medals were also redesigned for the 2004 Olympics. This is the first time since the Amsterdam Olympic Games in 1928. The main feature on both sided of the medal is the Greek goddess Nike of Paeonios and the Panathinaikon stadium. This holds particular importance because all Olympic medals will from now on feature a Greek god to reflect the Greek character and revival of the Games.
Another aspect which holds a fair amount of mythological power is the three medalists in each sport who received a kotinus during the prize-giving ceremony.
Historically, the kotinus was a wreath made from a branch from wild olive trees that grew next to the opisthodomus of the temple of Zeus in the sacred Altis. Victors in the ancient Games received no medals, only the kotinus, which was more than a medal for the athletes.
Even today the olive branch endures a symbol of universal peace and harmony. It is part of the United Nations' flag, it is seen on American currency and Neil Armstrong placed a gold plated olive branch on the moon in 1969.
The opening and closing ceremonies is also a reflection on the way things were done back in the 6th and 7th century BC.
Looking at all these aspect...