When the Ancient Games were revived as the Modern Olympic Games in Athens 1896, local hero Spiridon Louis won the marathon -- as he should have -- to bring his country international recognition and fame.

CNN: China takes the Olympic limelight

Making its way to Britain, the flame will first take in Greek archaeological sites including the Acropolis and Olympic Stadium in Athens, site of the first modern Games in 1896.

CNN: 2012 Olympic flame lit in ancient stadium

The event was staged between Marathon, the village which gave the event its name, and the Panathinaiko marble amphitheater in the center of Athens where the modern Olympic Games were revived in 1896.

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Over 100 years later the battle for sporting prowess returned to Athens, but while Greece celebrated their largest medal haul since 1896, their time in the limelight is all but gone.

CNN: China takes the Olympic limelight