Athens 1870 Zappas Olympics Tickets (4) Uncut sheet of four unused tickets issued for the 1870 Zappas Olympics in Athens, 3.75 x 3.5, each headed: "Olympia 1870." In fine condition, with a couple small stains. Sponsored by Evangelis Zappas (1800-1865), a Greek patriot, businessman, and philanthropist, the Zappas Olympics was a series of athletic events held in Athens designed to reintroduce a modern version of the ancient games into the nation of Greece. The first was held in 1859, while the other three—1870, 1875, and 1888—were held posthumously in Zappas’ honor. Although not an international event, the Zappas Olympics were significant to the Games of today, as the modern arrangement of gold, silver, and bronze medals serving as awards for first, second, and third prizes was established according to the original plan of the Zappas Olympics.

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