Olympia Sanctuary
Ὀλυμπία · Ancient Olympia · Altis Sanctuary
Geometric to Roman 776 BCE–393 CE; classical temple peak 5th c. BCE·Ancient Greek (pan-Hellenic, Eleian administration)·🇬🇷 Western Greece, Elis, Greece
About
About Olympia Sanctuary
Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Zeus where Olympic Games were held every four years from 776 BCE to 393 CE. Core is Altis sacred grove with Temple of Zeus (470–456 BCE) housing Phidias' chryselephantine Zeus — one of Seven Wonders — Temple of Hera (c.600 BCE, earliest Doric temple), Philippeion, Pelopion and 13 treasuries. Stadium 192 m with starting blocks for 45,000 spectators connected via vaulted tunnel.
Why it mattersBirthplace of Olympic Games; most influential pan-Hellenic sanctuary after Delphi.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Phidias workshop ivory/ gold technique
- 02Why Philippeion only circular building in sanctuary
Theories
- 01Games as Eleian political neutrality mechanism
- 02Altis as truce spatial device
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Temple of Hera c.600 BCE; Zeus 470–456 BCE
- Period
- Geometric to Roman 776 BCE–393 CE; classical temple peak 5th c. BCE
- Culture
- Ancient Greek (pan-Hellenic, Eleian administration)
- Builders
- Greek city-states under Eleian supervision; Phidias (Zeus statue)
- Purpose
- Pan-Hellenic sanctuary for Zeus, Olympic Games and treasuries
- Excavation
- Excavated
Temple of Hera c.600 BCE; Zeus 470–456 BCE
Initial construction
c. 1267 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
37.6384° N · 21.6301° E · 30 m · 3 mapped features
Temple of Zeus
templeDoric temple that housed Wonders statue
37.6386° N · 21.6299° ETemple of Hera
templeEarliest Doric temple with Hera cult
37.6389° N · 21.6305° EAncient Stadium
stadium192 m track with stone start sills
37.6378° N · 21.6315° E
Gallery