Today in History: The First Modern Olympics (April 6, 1896)

Today in History: The First Modern Olympics (April 6, 1896)

Athens Greece

Posted April 6, 2019

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Games of the I Olympiad were held from April 6 to April 15, 1896 in Athens, Greece, the first Olympic Games in modern times. The first Olympics, or “I Olympiad” also established the International Olympic Committee.

At a cost of approximately $500,000 USD, I Olympiad hosted a large roster of sports including cycling, fencing, gymnastics, shooting and swimming. Women were not allowed to compete. The second Olympics was held in Paris. If one compares the first Olympiad in Athens in 1896 to the most recent Olympic Games, one could not say that it was really a major world sporting event. Of course, there were reporters from major newspapers in Europe and America, and 12 other countries were present as well as Greece (Britain, Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, USA, Hungary, Sweden and Chile). There was also the excitement of the crowds filling the Panathenaic Stadium and other sports fields every day. 

Hoping to revive the ancient games after millennia, the International Olympic Committee met for the first time in Paris in June of 1894. When deciding to chose a country to host the first modern Olympics, the committee naturally chose Greece as the site of the inaugural Olympiad, very appropriately since Greece is the place where the Olympic Games originated thousands of years ago.

The Olympics did not return to Athens until the 2004 Summer Olympics.

Book Your Travel To ANY Destination

Use the interactive map below to search, compare and book hotels & rentals at the best prices that are sourced from a variety of platforms including Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more.  Search for ANY destination by clicking in the upper left corner of this map. You can also use the filter to fine tune your search, find restaurants, attractions and more!

 

Join the community!

Kalinag-TM_sm.jpg

Join our community to receive special updates (we keep your private info locked.)

Stay Secure Wherever You Go!

Download Your Free eBook

🌎 Traveling should be about making memories—not worrying about cyber threats. Whether you’re using public Wi-Fi, booking accommodations online, or accessing sensitive information abroad, your data is at risk.

🛡️Get your free copy of Cyber-Safe Travels: Protecting Your Devices & Personal Information on the Go—a must-read guide filled with expert cybersecurity tips to keep you safe while exploring the world.

Inside, you’ll discover how to:

Cyber Safe Travels eBook mockup 12
  • Secure your devices against cyber threats
  • Safely use public Wi-Fi and avoid data theft
  • Protect personal & financial information while traveling
  • Recognize and prevent common travel scams

Download your free guide now and travel with confidence, knowing your information is secure!

Stay Connected & Informed!
When you download the eBook, you’ll also be subscribed to Connections, World Footprints’ bi-weekly newsletter—your go-to source for transformative travel stories, expert insights, and must-know travel updates.

Travel smart. Stay secure. Download your free guide today!