Athletes
combatants who took part in the public games of Greece. The proin the public games of Greece. The pro- fession was an honorable one; tests of birth, position, and character were imposed, and crowns, statues, special privileges, and pensions were among the rewards of success. ancient Olympic games were revived at presented crowns of victory to 44 Athens (the 776th Olympiad) under the personal patronage of the King of Greece, who pre United States, the largest number of contestants, of whom 11 were from the victors from any country. The widespread interest in the games led to the to arrange for future contests, the first formation of an international committee one taking place in Paris during the Exresumed at the Pan-American Exposition, position of 1900. Olympic games were Buffalo, 1901. See OLYMPIC GAMES. position of 1900. Olympic games were resumed at the Pan-American Exposition, sides of the Shannon, chiefly in West- ATHOL meath, 80 miles W. of Dublin by rail.
The Shannon is crossed by a fine bowstring and lattice iron bridge of two arches, 175 and 40 feet span. Athlone Castle, founded in the reign of King militars John, was one of the chief military it was unsuccessfully besieged by William positions in Ireland. In the war of 1688 III. in person, but was afterward taken by Gen. Ginkell. The fortifications cover 15 acres, and contain barracks for 1,500 men. Pop. 10,000.