Final answer:
The first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896 in Athens, Greece, with fourteen nations participating. They served as a revival of the ancient Greek Olympic tradition, symbolizing athletic excellence and international unity. These games laid the foundation for the global event we know today, which continues to be held every four years, barring exceptional circumstances.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896 in Athens, Greece, symbolizing the revival of the ancient Olympic tradition that originated in Olympia, the sacred site dedicated to the Greek god Zeus. The historical Olympic Games, which began in 776 BCE, were a vital cultural event for the ancient Greeks, representing not only athletic excellence but also serving as a uniting force, connecting people from various Greek city-states and territories including Sicily and the Black Sea region. The ancient games allowed for a cessation of hostilities during the events which facilitated the safe passage for athletes traveling to compete.
In contrast to the ancient games, which were exclusively for men and did not involve professional athletes initially, the modern Olympic Games are inclusive, featuring participants from around the globe competing in a wide range of sports disciplines, and women can participate equally. The first modern Olympics in 1896 saw fourteen nations participating, a fraction of the number that compete in the subsequent versions of the games. This global gathering showcases national pride and identity, as seen during the festive opening ceremonies.
These early modern games in Athens set the stage for what has become a world-spanning event that brings together countries in a celebration of athletic prowess, international camaraderie, and peace. With the exception of a few periods such as the World Wars or the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to 2021, the Olympic Games have been held every four years, echoing the ancient tradition.