The Athens Olympic Games of 1896, officially known as the Games of the I Olympiad, were the first modern Olympic Games held in the modern era. They took place in Athens, Greece, from April 6 to April 15, 1896. The games were organized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and were inspired by the ancient Olympic Games held in Olympia, Greece, from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD.