The idea of reviving the ancient Olympics began to circulate as soon as Greece gained its independence. Still, the new state was forced to deal with pressing practical needs before turning its attention to the promotion of athletics. Initially, the Olympic idea was associated with exhibitions that attempted to promote the insignificant industrial production of Greece. Soon, though, the attention of the international community focused on athletics. The Greeks decided to refurbish the Panathenaic Stadium to serve as a venue for the first international Olympic Games. George Averoff, a wealthy Diaspora Greek, contributed a significant amount of money towards the staggering cost of refurbishment. A circular panorama was erected on the shores of the river Ilissos. Visitors enjoyed images from various cities of the world while Athens could claim a new multicultural air and the status of a modern European capital.