In 1896, the first modern Olympic Games took place. In which city were they held?

The story behind the answer

Athens is correct because the first modern Olympic Games (1896) were deliberately hosted in Greece to honor the ancient Olympics’ origins. Although the ancient Games were held in Olympia, the revived event took place in Athens, the nation’s capital, with Pierre de Coubertin’s newly formed International Olympic Committee choosing the Panathenaic Stadium as a symbol of classical heritage.

Context to remember: About 14 nations and 241 athletes (all men) competed, and the first marathon—modeled on the legend of Pheidippides—was won by Greek runner Spyridon Louis, sparking national pride. Memory tip: A is for Athens and Ancient—link the “A” to both the birthplace of Olympic tradition and the inaugural modern host. Paris (1900), St. Louis (1904), and later Berlin (1936) and Rome (1960) came afterward.