Greece hosted the first modern Summer Olympics in 1896, with the Games centered in Athens.
Known officially as the Games of the I Olympiad, the event ran from 6 to 15 April 1896. Athens was chosen because Greece was the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games, and the decision followed the 1894 Paris congress that established the modern Olympic movement under the International Olympic Committee.
The main venue was the Panathenaic Stadium, an ancient stadium rebuilt in white marble. Fourteen nations and roughly 241 athletes took part, although historical counts vary. All competitors were men, and many participants were European or already living in Europe.
The 1896 competition looked different from today’s Olympics. Winners received silver medals and olive branches, while runners-up received copper medals; the modern gold-silver-bronze system was applied retrospectively. The Games also included the first Olympic marathon, won by Greek runner Spyridon Louis.