But the stadiums history goes far beyond the 19th century.
Indeed, it is one of the oldest stadiums in the world.
These games started in 566 BC and continued into the 3rd century CE.
A vaulted passage under the east retaining wall terminated at the back of the stadium.
A triple-arched marble bridge spanning the the Ilissos River provided access to the stadium from the city.
The Athenians were justly proud of the Panathenaic Stadium, which was unrivalled in the world.
The stadium went on to host the 1875 and 1888-89 games as well.
This time the wooden seats were removed and replaced with white marble, just like in the original stadium.
The International Olympic Committee was created in 1894 and the first modern Olympic Games was held here in 1896.
Panathenaic held its second Olympic Games in 2004.
The archery finals took place here, and the marathon race terminated inside the stadium.
Today, the stadium regularly holds musical concerts.
