The Winter Games, which officially open in Italy on Friday, are rooted in international cooperation. That feels out of place to some in a world where old rules no longer apply.

The last time Cortina d’Ampezzo hosted the Winter Olympics was in 1956 (Jan. 26-Feb. 5). The Games featured 821 athletes, and 24 events like bobsleigh, speed skating, and alpine skiing. Here’s what to know about that event.

From the Games’ Greek origins to their first foray into Asia, the Olympics are known for bringing nations from all around the world together to celebrate the very best in athletics.

This winter’s Beijing Games marks the second time that the Chinese city has hosted the Olympics. They will also be the first city to have hosted both the Summer (2008) and Winter Olympics. Paris is set to takeover as host of the 2024 Summer Olympics.

The saying “Let the Games begin!” first applied to the Winter Olympics in 1924. That was when the first official Olympic Games took place, representing the culmination of more than three decades of competition in international winter sports. It was in ...