Olympia
Location
About
The sanctuary of Zeus at Olympia was the site of the ancient Olympic Games, held every four years from 776 BCE to 393 CE — a span of 1,169 years. The site contained the Temple of Zeus with Pheidias's chryselephantine (gold and ivory) statue of Zeus — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The sacred grove (Altis) was the center of pan-Hellenic Greek religious unity.
Significance
The Olympic Games, held at Olympia, were the most important recurring event in ancient Greek civilization — a universal sacred truce that stopped wars, drew athletes from across the Greek world, and honored Zeus. The concept of competitive athletic excellence (arete) as religious offering and the idea of a pan-Hellenic community transcending city-state rivalries were both expressed through the Olympic festival. The modern Olympic Games, revived in 1896, trace their lineage and flame tradition here.
History & Historical Arc
Archaeological evidence confirms cult activity at Olympia from at least 1000 BCE. The Olympic Games were traditionally d…
Archaeological Notes
Pheidias's workshop at Olympia was identified by excavators through discovery of his tools, clay molds for the statue's …
Key Features & Structures
- Temple of Zeus (457 BCE, columns fallen)
- Temple of Hera (oldest surviving Doric temple)
Visitor Information
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Open daily. Museum and site separate tickets. Ceremonial Olympic Flame lighting held here be…
Related Figures
In the Bible
Source References
- Pausanias, Description of Greece 5.7-5.24
- Pindar, Olympian Odes