The first modern Olympic Games took place in 1896.
The 1896 Summer Olympics were held in Athens, Greece, from 6 to 15 April. They were organized largely through the efforts of Pierre de Coubertin and inspired by the athletic festivals of ancient Greece. The event marked the revival of the Olympics as an international modern competition.
Athens hosted athletes from 14 countries, although historical sources count participation differently depending on how teams and national representation are classified. The program included athletics, cycling, fencing, gymnastics, shooting, swimming, tennis, weightlifting, and wrestling.
The modern Games were not a direct continuation of the ancient Olympics, which had been held at Olympia and ended in antiquity. The second modern Games took place in Paris in 1900. Unlike later Olympics, the 1896 event had no women’s competitions, and many events were organized with relatively small international fields.