abstract:The Olympic Truce is a tradition originating from Ancient Greece that dates back to 778 BC in the 8th century BC. A Truce (Ancient Greek: ékécheiria, meaning "laying down of arms") was announced before and during the Olympic Games to ensure the host city state (Elis) was not attacked and athletes and spectators could travel safely to the Games and peacefully return to their respective countries.
Since 1993 the OlympicTruce has been codified in a series of United Nations resolutions stating that member states should pursue "the peaceful settlement of all international conflicts".