There is a lot of differences between the modern and ancient Olympic games.
The games lasted for five days. In addition to athletic events, there were also religious ceremonies and banquets. Only male citizens were allowed to compete. All slaves, all women and men who had committed certain crimes were excluded. The prizes for winning competitions at the Olympics were very simple – all a winner got was a crown of wild olive leaves.There were no second or third prizes.
A separate competition, called the Heraia, was held at Olympia in which young women competed. It was held every four years, but in different years to the Olympics. It was held to honour Hera, Zeus' wife.
The Olympics were started again in 1896 by a French man named Pierre de Coubertin.