Archaeological Site of Olympia, Greece

Olympia was the birth location of the ancient world’s most famous and important sporting event. The Olympic Games were held here every four years from 776 BC to 393 AD. The site was also a location of worship dedicated to the Greek god Zeus from about the 10th century BC

Archaeological Site of Olympia: Archaia Olympia 270 65

The Olympic Games—the most famous and important sporting event in the ancient world—paid homage to the finest athletes. That tradition continues to this day, nearly 3,000 years later. But Olympia was not just used every four years to laud mortals. It was also a place where remarkable works of art and culture were created and shared to worship the Greek god Zeus.

Gymnaseum – The building was mainly used by track-and-field and pentathlon athletes, who had previously trained at the same spot, though without the added comfort and protection of a walled structure.

A church – Much more than just a site where the Olympic Games took place, Olympia was an important sanctuary where worship was practiced throughout the Olympic cycle. A number of people lived close to the sanctuary and were permanently charged with such tasks, as it happened with any other cult site.

The Leonidaion was the lodging place for athletes taking part in the Olympic Games at Olympia. It was located at the southwest edge of the sanctuary and was the largest building on the site. It was constructed around 330 BCE and was funded and designed by Leonidas of Naxos.

The Council House Bouleyterion – Meeting building for the Olumpic Council.

Temple of Zeus

Temple of Hera

To the stadium

The stadium – notice there are no sits

Exiting the stadium

Metroon – a temple

Back to Hera’s temple

The place of lighting the Olympic Torch

The Philippieion, the only circular building inside the Altis, is one of the finest examples of ancient Greek architecture. Located west of the temple of Hera, it was dedicated to Zeus by Philip II of Macedon after his victory at Chaironeia in 338 BC, proving the important political role of the sanctuary at that time. After Philip’s death in 336 BC, the monument was completed by his son, Alexander the Great, who had the statues of his family crafted by the famous sculptor Leochares, placed inside. The monument was also used for the worship of the deified royal family of Macedon.

Kronion Thermae – A bath house