Archaeological Site of Olympia in Greece

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
VRML Representation of the Temple of Zeus, Olympia (Foundation of the Hellenic World)
Hellenic Ministry of Culture

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1989
Size of heritage: 106 ha
- Buffer zone: 1,458 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 21,667°
Latitude: 37,650°

Summary

The site of Olympia, in a valley in the Peloponnesus, has been inhabited since prehistoric times. In the 10th century B.C., Olympia became a centre for the worship of Zeus. The Altis – the sanctuary to the gods – has one of the highest concentrations of masterpieces from the ancient Greek world. In addition to temples, there are the remains of all the sports structures erected for the Olympic Games, which were held in Olympia every four years beginning in 776 B.C.

Location on Map

Show bigger map on Openstreetmap

Archaeological Site of Olympia

The Archaeological Site of Olympia, located in the Prefecture of Ilia, in the Region of West Greece in the Western Peloponnese, is a UNESCO World Heritage site of immense historical and cultural significance. This ancient sanctuary, dedicated to Zeus, the king of the gods, was the birthplace of the Olympic Games and a center of worship and athletic competition for over a millennium.

History

The history of the Archaeological Site of Olympia dates back to the 10th century BCE when it became a sacred place for the worship of Zeus. The first Olympic Games were held here in 776 BCE, marking the beginning of a tradition that would continue for nearly 12 centuries. The games were held every four years and attracted athletes from all over the Greek world, promoting peace and unity among the city-states.

During its peak, Olympia was a bustling city with numerous temples, altars, and statues dedicated to various gods and heroes. The most famous of these is the Temple of Zeus, which housed the renowned statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The statue, created by the sculptor Phidias, was over 12 meters tall and made of gold and ivory.

Over the centuries, Olympia faced several challenges, including earthquakes and invasions, which led to the decline of the site. The Olympic Games were abolished in 393 CE by the Roman Emperor Theodosius I, who considered them to be pagan rituals. The site was eventually abandoned and buried under layers of sediment.

Current State

Today, the Archaeological Site of Olympia stands as a testament to the glory of ancient Greece. Excavations began in the 19th century, and the site has been extensively restored and preserved. Visitors can explore the ruins of the ancient city, including the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, the Stadium, and the Gymnasium.

The Temple of Zeus, although now in ruins, still showcases the grandeur of its past. The remaining columns and fragments give a glimpse into the architectural mastery of the ancient Greeks. The Stadium, where the Olympic Games were held, is an impressive sight, with its long track and seating areas for spectators.