Rome, the eternal city
These Games saw a close union between sport and culture in this city on the banks of the Tiber with a rich historical past. The marble stadium, the Caracalla thermal baths, the Albano lake, the Constantine triumphal arch - ancient surroundings for the Olympic competitions
A DEFINITIVE OFFICIAL ANTHEM
In 1958 the IOC made the decision to adopt the Anthem composed by Spiros Samaras, with words by Kostis Palamas, as the official Olympic Anthem. Following this decision, for the Games of the Olympiad, it was first played in Rome. The Anthem had originally been composed for the celebration of the Games of the I Olympiad that took place in Athens in 1896.
Consequences of apartheid
The Games in Rome were the last Games in which South Africa was allowed to participate for a period of some 32 years - until 1992 - as the International Olympic Committee could not tolerate the racist policies of the South African government.
Millions of television viewers
These Games were broadcast live in 18 European countries and, with only a few hours delay, to the United States, Canada and Japan.
Ceremonies
Rome 25 August 1960. The Italian delegation (ITA).
Official opening of the Games by: President Giovanni Gronchi
Lighting the Olympic Flame by: Giancarlo Peris (athletics)
Olympic Oath by: Adolfo Consolini (athletics)
Official Oath by: The officials' oath at an Olympic Summer Games was first sworn in 1972 in Munich.