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Throughout the centuries the games evolved, the number of athletic contests from the first to the last Olympiad increased and new contests were introduced.
During the 5 days of the Olympic festival, the Greeks sacrificed to Zeus and other deities of the sanctuary. A number of athletic games took place. The festival ended with great religious and festive ceremonies.
Among the rules, the most important were:
After the 5th century BC the games, which were held every four years, lasted five days. They were scheduled during the hottest months of the year.
The Eleans succeeded to retain the interest of all Greeks in the Olympic Games, thanks to a number of rules that regulated organization, participation and training during the Olympic festival.
