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Why Olympia
in Greece is special
 Olympia
is the birthplace of the Olympic Games, long the athletic pride of Greece. Today, Olympia is an outstanding
archaeological site.
Tips & insights
on Olympia
The
Olympic Games were launched in Olympia on the Peloponnesus Promontory of Greece
in 776 BC. They continued for over 1000 years until the
Emperor Theodosius I banned them in 393 AD for their pagan attributes. They then
remained dormant for 1500 years until they were revived in Athens, Greece in 1896.
Women
were banned from viewing the Olympic Games. Violators were thrown off a
mountain.
Over
the centuries the splendid Olympia structures became ruins because of
earthquakes, fires, plundering and other calamities. Neglect also played a role.
Silt
from floods gradually buried the crumbling Olympia buildings in Greece, but it also helped
preserve them. They were discovered in the 18th century.
The
most famous ruin is the Temple of Zeus (see its fallen columns in the photo).
Other major Olympia attractions include the Temple of Hera, Studio of Pheidies,
Stadium, and onsite museum.
The
immense ivory-and-gold Statue of Zeus in the Temple of Zeus was one of the
Original Seven Wonders of the World. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in a fire
in 462 AD. Click the button below for my web page of
this marvel.
The
nearby town of Olympia, Greece has a variety of accommodations and restaurants.
View my other gold,
silver & bronze medal
winners in Greece
 
My Greek
phrase guide
for travelers
What every visitor should know.
My Greek
cuisine guide
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