Ancient Olympia

On May 11^th, we visited the site of Ancient Olympia. Our first stop was the Archaeological Museum of Olympia. Everything in the museum is original, unlike some of the other museums we have visited. 

Ancient Olympia was known for the temple of Zeus (above) and national feasts of the Olympic games, the most popular games. The entrance was from the south side of the site because of the Alpheus river, which is navigational. The gymnasiums, temple and statue of Zeus made this the center of Greece. For 1200 years, Olympia was only used every four years for the five days of the Olympic games. Olympia was abandoned when Christianity became the main religion. Earthquakes and flooding destroyed and buried the site. Later, it was first excavated by the Germans.

Since limestone was used for the buildings, they are in poor condition. Statutes were made of marble and therefore are more preserved.

Here we are eating dinner at our hotel in Epoli. Epoli (meaning the city of Olympia) is right next to Ancient Olympia therefore, it's location was always known. 

The statue of Nike (pronounced Nicky) was displayed in front of the temple of Zeus in Ancient Olympia. She used to have giant wings protruding from her back, giving her the illusion of flying. In the old Olympics, it was supposed to be as if Nike presented the prizes to the winners, as Nike means victory.

A warrior. Marble statues were painted; everything but the skin was painted. The colors symbolized so much that they told the history. Many of the ancient statutes were made of bronze. They were stolen so the only ones they have are from shipwrecks.

Painting of the statue of Zeus, which was one of the ancient wonders of the world. The statue was 13 meters tall and made of gold, ivory and jewel pieces that came together like a puzzle. It was recovered in an excavation but later succumbed to a fire.

Hermes, the swift messenger of the gods, holding Zeus' baby, Hercules. Made of one mass of marble.

Temple of Hera was constructed first for Zeus and Hera. Where the Olympic flame is lit even today. In ancient times, the flame was always burning. Now, it is only lit during the 15 days of the Olympics.

This was a torch that was used in the 80s. (It was carried by this shop owner's brother.)

The Philippeion
King Philip and Alexander the great built this monument and statues of themselves among the gods. They were allowed to do this because during the fifth century BC, the people were losing faith in the gods due to scientific knowledge. Instead, they began to look to the kings to help them fight wars, etc.

By Aubrey Bellowes & Svetlana Voloshin