Watching the Olympic Games, it may often feel like they are as much about pomp and ceremony as they are about sports. The International Olymic Committee (IOC) has a long list of protocols that need to take place during opening and closing ceremonies, the playing of the Olympic and National Anthems and lighting of the flame, for example; and medal ceremonies have similar requirements. Looking at the Games of the 21st century, it becomes clear that many of these traditions have their origins in th...