The Games Return: First Modern Olympics, Athens
1896 · event
Fifteen centuries after the ancient games ended, athletes from fourteen nations gathered in a rebuilt marble stadium in Athens. No professionals, no sponsors, just the idea that nations might compete in peace instead of war.
The marathon was invented for these Games, a run from the village of Marathon to Athens, honouring the ancient messenger. When a Greek water-carrier named Spyridon Louis entered the stadium first, two princes ran the final lap beside him.
Winners received a silver medal and an olive branch; gold came later. Fourteen nations, 241 athletes, no women, the Games have grown somewhat since. But the idea from Athens survives every four years: that nations can meet on a field and all go home.