In Ancient Greece, the Olympic Truce traditionally lasted up to three months, before and during the Games, allowing warring city states to set aside conflict, celebrate togetherness and experience peace inspired by sport.

In 1999, the International Olympic Truce Foundation was set up to offer an opportunity for dialogue, encouraging and inspiring mankind to imagine peace. Its symbols are a dove of peace, representing the IOC’s ambition to build a peaceful and better world through sport, and a flame, signifying warm friendship and global togetherness.

In 2011, the UK’s Truce Resolution was submitted to the United Nations General Assembly. It referred to the main themes of the London 2012 Games – including helping to promote more inclusive and peaceful communities, urban regeneration, changing attitudes to disability and inspiring young people – and received an unprecedented show of support from all 193 member states.

An athlete first swore an oath on behalf of his peers in 1920, promising to respect and abide by the rules and spirit of the Olympics ‘for the glory of sport and the honour of our teams’.

Since 1972, an official has also taken an oath, promising complete impartiality in the true spirit of sportsmanship. And in 2010 the tradition of a coach from the Host Nation taking an oath was introduced. So now there are three.

The Olympic Anthem was written for the first modern Games in 1896, by composer Spirou Samara and poet Kostis Palamas. It’s been the official anthem since 1958 and included in every Opening Ceremony since 1960.

The Olympic Flag was first flown at the Antwerp Games in 1920. The five interlocking rings – designed by Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games – represent the bringing together of the world’s five inhabited continents.