Olympia and the Games: Millenium Series 23
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It is a bright sunny spring day as we disembark the Stella Solaris and board our bus to Olympia. Situated in the western Peloponneses, at the foot of the Kronion Hill, Olympia sits at the meeting point of two rivers, the Cladeos and Alpheios. This site was not only the birthplace of the Olympic games, but an important religious center. Olympia is one of the most important sanctuaries of antiquity. As we enter the sacred grounds, our view is of many trees, some wearing their new spring green leaves, some covered with pink blossoms.
The sacred precinct of Altis, (sacred groves), was so named because of the numerous trees that flourished in the area. Altis was the religious center of Olympia, which contained not only the principal religious monuments but also some of buildings associated with the games.
Temple of Zeus model:Click Here.
The Temple of Zeus
The Temple of Zeus was one of the most famous of these edifices. Built between 470 and 420 BC and dedicated to Zeus, father of the Gods and of mortals and protector and ruler of mortals. In 440-450 BC a huge statue of Zeus, the great work of Athenian sculptor Phidias, was created
Statue of Zeus Artist rendition:Click Here.
A 40 ft (12 M) high Zeus was seated on a gold throne, holding the winged Nike in his right hand and a scepter in his left. It became the main feature of the temple, taking up most of the interior space in the building. Crafted in ivory and gold plate, this creation was celebrated as one of the most spectacular, of the Seven Wonders of the World.
The statue was later taken to a palace in Constantinople (Istanbul) by wealthy Greeks, where in 462 AD, it was destroyed by fire. Earthquakes, floods and landslides destroyed the temple in 391 AD. Only ruins of the foundation remain.
The Temple of Hera (Heraion) The Temple of Hera was dedicated to Hera, the wife of Zeus. This temple is the oldest known Doric building, dating to the end of the 7th century BC. It was originally made of wood and it's dimensions were monumental. Statues of both Hera and Zeus stood in the temple and the statue of Hermes of Praxiteles was found there. The garlands for the victors of the Games were placed on a table in this temple. These wreaths were made from the branches of a wild olive tree growing near the Temple of Zeus.
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