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The popularity of the Olympic Games continued all over the ancient world long after the demise of the Greek Empire. But in 393AD - the 293rd Olympiad and 1170 years after the Games first began - they were abolished by decree of the Roman emperor, Theodosius I, who had forbidden all idol worshipping in sanctuaries.
It was not until 1896 that they emerged again, thanks to the efforts of a young French aristocrat, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, and the Greek, Dimitrios Vikelas. The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens. Thirteen countries participated, competing in 43 events split among nine sports. For the first time, a marathon was included. The race commemorates the victory of the Athenians over the Persians, when the messenger, Philippides, allegedly ran from the plains of Marathon to Athens with news of the victory.
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