Elis (ELI)

Elis was both a region and a polis (city-state) in southern Greece, on the western Peloponnese. During the 8th century BCE, the area of Elis came to include the sanctuary at Olympia - previously held by Pisa. This gave Elis some level of control over the Games, particularly as the judges, or Hellanodikai, were always selected from Elis population. While generally known for their fairness, instances of corruption have been recorded.

While records of ancient Olympic victors are incomplete, as far as known, “host nation” Elis has won the largest number of titles at the Games. This includes the first known victor, Koroibos, who won the stadion at the 776 BCE Games.