During which period did the ancient Olympic Games occur?

The ancient Olympic Games are known to have originated in 776 B.C. in Olympia, Greece, marking the beginning of what is often considered the historical Olympic tradition. These games were held every four years, and they continued until they were effectively abolished in 393 A.D. by Emperor Theodosius I as part of his efforts to promote Christianity and suppress pagan practices. Therefore, the time span from 776 B.C. to 339 A.D. accurately reflects the period when the ancient Olympic Games were celebrated, including their initial inception and the eventual decline leading to their cessation.

This timeline encompasses the entirety of the ancient Olympic Games' existence, highlighting their continued popularity and cultural significance in ancient Greece over several centuries. Other options do not accurately capture this historical range, with dates that either start too early, end too late, or do not align with the established historical records regarding the ancient games.