Paris Olympics flame lit in ancient-inspired ceremony, starting torch relay from Greece to France
The Olympic flame was lit at the birthplace of the Games in Greece on Tuesday, in a ceremony rich with ancient traditions that will launch a torch relay culminating in Paris on July 26.
The Olympic flame was lit at the birthplace of the Games in Greece on Tuesday, in a ceremony rich with ancient traditions that will launch a torch relay culminating in Paris on July 26.
The flame was lit at the site of ancient Olympia and will now be carried more than 3,000 miles on its way to the French capital this summer.
In ancient times the flame was lit with the energy of the sun and would remain lit in a sanctuary at Olympia known as the Prytaneum.
A Greek actress during the flame lighting ceremony at the ancient archeological site in Olympia, Greece on April 16, 2024.Milos Bicanski / Getty ImagesIn keeping with the ancient custom, actor Mary Mina, a “high priestess,” asked the sun God Apollo for help in lighting the flame, in the ruins of the temple of Hera, the wife of Zeus and queen of the gods.
The message, organizers say, also remains the same.
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