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The 2004 Olympic Games are about to open in Athens, Greece, their ancient birthplace and the city of their revival. For Athens, this will mark the first return of the Games since it hosted the inaugural modern Olympiad in 1896. Thus, the return of the Games to its ancient roots highlights Athens’ historic and cultural ties to this prestigious event. From August 13, 2004, athletes from an anticipated 201 nations will gather in Athens for 17 days to participate in 301 events among 28 different sports. As such, the 28th Olympics will be the largest event in its history. The majority of the sporting events will be held in and around Athens including the finish of the marathon in Panathinaiko Stadium. Reviving a tradition from the Ancient Olympic Games, each gold-medal winner will be awarded an olive crown. Athletics Aug.18,20-29 Baseball Aug.15-18,20-22,24-25 Swimming Aug.14-21 Soccer Aug.11-12,14-15,17-18,20-21 23-24,26-28 Volleyball Aug.14-28 Gymnastics Aug.14-19,22-24 Basketball Aug.14-28 Table Tennis Aug.14-23 Judo Aug.14-20 Softball Aug.14-20,22-23 One of the most famous historical sites in Greece, Olympia was the venue of the Ancient Olympic Games. From about 2,000 B.C. Ancient Olympia was a political and religious meeting centre for the worship of Zeus. Starting in 884, it also hosted the Ancient Games but it began to decline after a Roman ban of all non-Christian celebrations in 394 A.D. Great earthquakes also affected the area and it was not until the end of the 19th century that archaeologists conducted excavation work there, prompting the restoration of the site. Ancient Olympia has been designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1989.   This ancient marble stadium was the location of the first modern Olympic Games. It can accommodate up to 50,000 spectators and for these Games, the finish line for the marathon will be in the stadium. Marathonas is known as the birthplace of the marathon. According to legend, during the Battle of Marathonas, a messenger ran some 40 km to convey the news of Athens’ victory over the Persians and died immediately upon fulfilling his duty. To honor his bravery, the marathon race was included in the first Olympic Games. Marathonas will be the starting point for marathon races at the Athens Olympics.