1896 Summer Olympics

The first Olympic Games of the modern era was held in Athens from 6 to 15 April 1896. The main venue was the marble-built Panathenaic Stadium. Although statistical evidence is inconclusive, it is generally reckoned that fourteen countries (all European except for the USA) were involved and the number of competitors (all male) is estimated at 241.

The most famous event was the first-ever marathon race which was run from Marathon to Athens in commemoration of the run by Pheidippides in 480 BC, when he brought news of the Greek victory at the Battle of Marathon. The race was won by Spiridon Louis of Greece, who thus became a national hero. In another nod to ancient times, throwing the discus was resurrected and was won by Robert Garrett of the USA.