But in modern times the Olympic truce has been honored and the breach.

NPR: Tibet Crisis Impacts China's Olympics

It looks as though the day of the Olympic truce, when fighting was put on hold for athletes and spectators alike, that's over.

NPR: Tibet Crisis Impacts China's Olympics

Since 1993 the Olympic Truce has been codified in a series of United Nations resolutions stating that member states should pursue "the peaceful settlement of all international conflicts".

BBC: Olympic Games debate

The former Paralympic athlete, Baroness Grey-Thompson, agreed that the Olympic Truce was a "wonderful ambition, " but she also wanted peers to think about how sport can change the world.

BBC: Olympic Games debate

Lord Bates described how the Olympic Truce was originally established in around 776 BC to create a period during which athletes and their families could travel in safety to the Olympic games.

BBC: Olympic Games debate

Mr Rogge said that like the messengers in ancient times who shared news of the Olympic truce - the laying down of arms for the Games - "the torchbearers who carry this flame to London will spread the message of sport's capacity to promote peace and to make our world a better place".

BBC: London 2012: Olympic Games flame lit in Greece

In theory, the Truce starts seven days before the Olympic games begins and ceases seven days after the close of the Paralympic Games.

BBC: Olympic Games debate