The XXVIII Olympiad, held in Athens, Greece was the first time since the first modern Olympics were revived in Athens in the summer games of 1896 that the games returned to their country of ancient origin. The 1896 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the I Olympiad, were held in 1896 in Athens, Greece. These games were the first modern Summer Olympic Games and the first Games since Roman emperor Theodosius I banned the Ancient Olympic Games in 393 as part of the Christian campaign against paganism.