Torch History

The Olympic Torch Relay draws upon a history dating back to the ancient Olympic Games in Greece.

During those Games a sacred flame burnt continuously on the altar of the goddess, Hera. In addition to this, heralds were summoned to travel throughout Greece to declare a “Sacred Truce” for the duration of the events and to announce the Games themselves.

At every Games a very precise ritual for the lighting of the Flame is followed to honour this legacy. It is first lit from the sun’s rays at the Temple of Hera in Olympia as part of a traditional ceremony held in the ruins of the Ancient Games. After a relay around Greece, the flame is then passed on to the new host city at a Ceremony held in Athens.

Finally the flame is then delivered to the Host Country, in London’s case on 18th May 2012, where it is passed from one lucky Torchbearer to the next, spreading the Olympic and Paralympic values. The Torch ends its national journey at the Olympic Stadium, when the start of the Games are marked.