The Panathenaic Stadium, originally a natural amphitheater used for athletic competitions beginning in the 550s BCE, was rebuilt of marble in 144 CE. Innovations include staggered starting blocks for runners on a circular track and a horseshoe design that brought crowds closer together and amplified sound. It was abandoned in the 4th century and then excavated in 1869 for Olympic events organized by businessman Evangelis Zappas; it then hosted the first modern Olympics in 1896 and again in 2004.

The 1896 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the I Olympiad, was the first international Olympics Games held in modern history. Organised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which had been created by Pierre de Coubertin, it was held in Athens, Greece, from 6 to 15 April, 1896. Fourteen nations and 241 athletes (all male) took part in the games. Participants were all European, or living in Europe, with the exception of the United States team.