Athens 2004 (2004-06-13) by IOCThe Olympic Museum
From the Parthenon to the Acropolis, with the ancient Agora, the Hill of the Muses, the Panathenaic Stadium and the Temple of Zeus, there is plenty of history to experience in Athens.
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus built below the Acropolis in AD 161, with the city of Athens in the background.
The evzones, who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square. Their formal uniform includes a fustanella and tsarouchia, a pleated kilt and handmade shoes decorated with a black pompom, which was formerly used to hide a blade.
The Plaka neighbourhood, with its picturesque narrow streets at the foot of the Acropolis.
A typical encounter on a Greek island path.
Athens 2004 (2006-03-28) by deyangeorgievThe Olympic Museum
A LAND…
Hospitable and generous, with a rich cuisine, enchanting landscapes, and millennia-old art and culture.
Ancient black-figure vase produced between the sixth and seventh century BC; the paint turned black when the pottery was fired in the kiln.
Ancient red-figure vase showing a trainer and his two athletes, produced some time after 530 BC.
Torchbearers.
The whitewashed villages on the island of Santorini shine in the sunlight against the blue of the Aegean Sea.
Ancient mosaic made of multicoloured uncut pebbles.
Olive wreath painted on a ceramic surface, the symbol of victory.
Cycladic figurine; the prehistoric art of the Cyclades flourished between 3300 and 2000 BC.
Athens 2004 (2004-06-13) by IOCThe Olympic Museum
« WELCOME HOME »
This was the slogan of the Athens 2004 Games as, indeed, the Games returned to their country of birth, 108 years after the first Games of the modern era were held in Athens in 1896.
For the first time since the Amsterdam Games in 1928, the obverse of the medal was modified. The goddess Niké arrives in the Panathenaic Stadium to crown the winner. The medal now bears a sign of the Games belonging to Greece, the country of their birth and re-birth.
On the reverse is an extract from the Odes of Pindar (460 BC) celebrating the winners.
Athens 2004 (2018-08-24) by IOCThe Olympic Museum
OLYMPISM WITH A GREEK IDENTITY
Athens 2004 (2004-06-13) by IOCThe Olympic Museum
SUPPLE, FLUID AND INSPIRED BY ANTIQUITY
Pictograms are an integral part of the visual identity of the Games. They convey a universal language and focus on the cultural and creative spirit of the host country.
Athletics.
Equestrian.
35 pictograms representing the 28 sports on the programme.
Athens 2004 (2004-06-13) by IOCThe Olympic Museum
UNIVERSAL SYMBOL
The olive-wreath crown was the reward for the winners at the Olympic Games of Antiquity: it bestowed glory and divine protection. The olive branch is also a symbol of peace: thus, Greek culture and the universal values of the Games came together.
The olive-wreath crown or “kotinos” was the reward for the winners at the Olympic Games of Antiquity.
Natural olive branch crown.
Emblem design.
The Games emblem on an official poster.
Athens 2004 (2004-06-13) by IOCThe Olympic Museum
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN TWO ERAS
The mascots, a brother and sister, represented the link between Ancient Greece and the Olympic Games of the modern era.
A “Daidala” doll, ancient ceramic made from painted earthenware.
Phivos and Athina refer to deities from Olympus: “Phoebos” was the last name of Apollon, god of light and music; while “Athena” was the goddess of wisdom and protector of the city of Athens.
Phivos and Athina practising all the sports on the Olympic programme.
