Ancient Olympia

We are adherents of the Ancient Greeks not only for their democracy but also their love of play.  A major site of their play was Ancient Olympia.  From 776 BCE to 339 CE, games took place here every four years as religious rites honoring Zeus.  That's 1000 years longer than the Modern Olympics!  I cannot begin to contemplate what would happen to the Olympic games 1000 years from now. 

We were expecting rain again so we headed to the site first thing in the morning. To think that such a vast complex is only used every four years.  This extravagance is extraordinary by today's standard,  let alone two thousand years ago.  In fact, some Greeks think that their economy is in such dire situation because of the outlay for the 2004 Olympics.  Nevertheless, I thank Zeus for bringing about play, otherwise life would be much duller.

The Stadium from different angles.







Temple of Hera.


Looking from the Leonidaion ruin towards the Temple of Zeus with Mount Kronos, the birthplace of Zeus, behind.


Roman swimming pool.


The single standing column at the Temple of Zeus was re-erected in honor of the 2004 Olympic Games. Access to the temple was floor is blocked thus not-so-good photo ops.


However, check out this sculpture from the Temple of Zeus in the site museum. It dates from 450 BCE and depicts centaurs disrupting a wedding.




Statue of Hermes by Praxiteles from 4th Cent BCE.


Bonus video for making it this far. ;-)