Category: History > Olympics
The modern Olympic Games, which we recognize today, were revived in 1896, but their origins can be traced back to ancient Greece, where they were held in Olympia as early as 776 BC. Interestingly, the revival was heavily influenced by the 19th-century movement for physical education and international camaraderie. A pivotal figure was Pierre de Coubertin, a French educator who believed that sports could foster peace and understanding among nations. His vision was spurred by a visit to the ancient Olympic site, where he was inspired by the grandeur of the ancient games and the idea of bringing together athletes from around the world. This led to the first modern Olympics in Athens, featuring 280 athletes from 13 nations, thus marking the beginning of a tradition that continues to unite the globe through athletic competition.