The Olympic Games, both Summer and Winter editions, are traditionally held every four years. This four-year cycle honors the ancient origins of the Olympics, which were held every four years in Olympia, Greece, as part of a religious festival. The four-year period between the Games is known as an "Olympiad" and was historically used as a way to measure time. The first modern Olympic Games took place in Athens in 1896, continuing this tradition. Since 1994, the Winter and Summer Olympics have alternated every two years within the four-year Olympiad cycle. This means that while each type of Games—Summer or Winter—is held every four years, there is an Olympic event happening every two years. For example, the Summer Olympics might occur in one Olympiad year, and the Winter Olympics two years later. This staggered schedule allows athletes and cities sufficient preparation time, maintains the special status of the Games, and provides a consistent schedule for global spectatorship and competition. The Summer and Winter Games remain separate but linked by this traditional four-year cycle.