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After being forced to abandon their role as hosts in 1908, as a result of a severe earthquake, Romans made up for lost time and hosted the largest Olympic festivities to date. Twenty-four million dollars were spent on sports facilities designed in a fusion of futuristic and ancient styles. Several romantic sites were chosen as settings for events such as the almost 1800 year-old Caracala Baths for the gymnastics competition. The rowing events were located in a lake near the Pope's summer residence. The Holy Father John the XXIII took the opportunity to watch the competition from home. | |