The Modern Olympics
The modern Olympics started after they had briefly ended when the Romans invaded Olympia in 85 B.C. These games then became a part of a pagan festival. They remained like this up until the Christian emperor, Theodosius ordered that all of the pagan events must be ended in 393. Up until April 6, 1896, the Olympics have been briefly prosponed. This event was revived again by baron Pierre de coubertin from France. He had a dream of uniting countries and nations through sport and had been traveling the world to support his invisioned dream. The Olympics seemed like a perfect solution to his dream so he decided to bring these competitions back. Once he had spread his ideas to others, they immediately took part in his ideas. As an example, the first held Olympic Games would not been possible if it wasn't for the donations of wealthy business men, such as George Averoff. With his private donation, the reconstruction of the Panathenean stadium was rebuilt again since 330 B.C. After his generous donations, the Greek government had obtained enough money to create a shooting competition venue as well as a swimming pier for the first modern Olympics which would be held in Athens, Greece,1896. In the first modern Olympics, there were many additional sports added, apart from the traditional Ancient Greek events. Some of these sports included: fencing, track and field, gymnastics, swimming, cycling, tennis, wrestling, pistol and rifle shooting, and weightlifting. The winners of the Olympics are still highly honored, as they were in Ancient Greece. However, instead of an olive wreath, winners of the modern day Olympics were granted with gold, silver, and bronze medals as well as respect and honor. The opening and closing ceremonies are still a common occurrence, although no animals are sacrificed in the modern games. Furthermore, many of the traditional events have been excluded such as chariot racing, the Hoplitodromiathe, and pankration wrestling. The first modern Olympics had been a great sucsess, and has continued to be the same up until this very day.