Updated April 6, 2024 at 10:10 a.m. The first modern Olympic Games took place on this day 1896, in Athens, Greece. Get This Happened straight to your inbox ✉️ each day! Sign up here. Why were the first modern Olympic Games held?The first modern Olympic Games were held to revive the ancient Greek tradition of athletic competition and promote international understanding and goodwill. How many countries participated in the first modern Olympic Games?Fourteen countries participated in the first modern Olympic Games, including Greece, the United States, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Whic…