The Olympics return to the birthplace of both ancient and modern games, and Athens announce the start of the XXVIII Games of the Olympiad with... spectacular performances that showcase the traditional Greek culture and history. The assemblage of the past and the present is one of the main themes, to the delight of the 72,000-strong audience performers recall the glory of ancient Greek athletics and the start of the new era, the modern games. Opening Ceremony - Athens 2004 Summer Olympics