Abstract
Although its name refers back to the ancient site of Olympia, Olympism is a modern invention, and our Olympic games are very different from ancient competitions. After a brief evocation of some of these distinctions, the round table will focus on the way in which modern Olympism has drawn on a modern imaginary of Antiquity, while relying on ancient objects, real or supposed, to give this "re-foundation" Greek credentials.
Special themes and figures will also be addressed: the development of modern Olympic iconography; archaeology as a source of inspiration for the Olympic artist; ancient history as a source of inspiration for the marathon; and the figure and role of Michel Bréal (1832-1915), professor at the Collège de France, linguist, specialist in comparative mythology, pacifist, reformer of French education and "father" of the marathon, a modern discipline he suggested to Baron Pierre de Coubertin.
