Throughout their history, the Olympic Games grew hugely in importance. Originating as simple running competitions, they became a major sports event. However, the quality of the competitions and the ethical values of the participants were not always of the highest standard. These phenomena would become obvious after the conquest of Greece by Rome, in 146 BC, when a period of "decline" started, which would eventually lead to the end of the Games.

After the abolition of the Games, Olympia became prey to acts of vandalism. Fires and earthquakes also had their effect and over time destroyed the buildings. Little by little, the site desappeared under several metres of earth and vanished from memory.