After an enforced absence in 1916 due to World War One, the Olympics made a welcome return four years later.
The British team parade at the opening ceremony
Did you know?
Italy's Nedo Nadi won a war medal - and then netted five Olympic golds in fencing
Although Belgium suffered in the atrocities of war, the authorities managed to organise the preparations.
Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary and Turkey were not invited because of their part in the war but there were a record number of athletes and nations.
But Antwerp saw the birth of the now widely recognised Olympic flag of five interlocking circles.
It also saw a repeat of the first Olympiad, when doves were released to symbolise peace between the nations.
Finland usurped the American dominance on the track thanks to Hannes Koiehmainen and the legendary Paavo Nurmi who won three medals, two gold and one silver, at the start of his illustrious Olympic career.
South America claimed their first gold medal in 1920 when Guilherme Paraense of Brazil won the rapid-fire pistol event, whilst Willie Lee and Lloyd Spooner of America celebrated four and five golds respectively.
Elsewhere, American diver Aileen Riggin became the youngest gold medal winner at just 14 years and 119 days.
Great Britain's Philip Noel-Baker won silver in the 1500m, and later went on to become an MP.
In 1959, he became the only Olympian to ever be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.