Ancient Greece was home to two wonders of the world: the statue of Zeus and the Colossus of Rhodes. Both masterpieces have not survived to this day, and a tricky story happened with the statue of the Lord of Olympus. Many believe that it was located in the temple of the same name in Athens, but in fact the legendary statue of Zeus was located in the village of Olympia in the Peloponnese. In honor of the famous thunderer, a monumental palace was erected here, known today as the Temple of Zeus at Olympia. Nowadays, only ruins remain of the building, but even the reconstructions show the highest level of skill possessed by the architectural school of that time.
The grandeur of Greek architecture
Urban planning and architectural features Ancient Greece served as a kind of ideal of perfection. Just as the Romanesque and Gothic architecture of Western Europe was famous in the Middle Ages, so in ancient period the role model was the ancient kingdom of the Greeks.
The influence of the Greek school is found in buildings of large and small forms in the states of the Northern Black Sea region, the kingdoms of Arabia, and the Sasanian Empire (Iran). Many elements were borrowed from Romanesque architecture Western Europe, including the famous basilicas, monasteries and churches of St. Mary (Santa Maria). Even the Gothic architecture of Eastern and Northern Europe did not stand aside.
And the more ancient cities and tombs with artifacts are explored, the more one senses the level of development of construction that the early Greek kingdom possessed. The Temple of Zeus in Olympia is one of the unattainable buildings of antiquity, the pinnacle of Doric architecture. Excavations of the ruins remaining from the Olympic Sanctuary made it possible to reconstruct the original appearance of the palace and restore the history of the construction of the temple.
Construction of the temple
The small settlement of Olympia in the northwestern Peloponnese was destined to play a significant role in world history.
Since ancient times, a large sanctuary of the goddess Gaia was founded on these lands. Here Hercules laid down the tradition of holding the Olympic Games, which still exists today. But this all happened earlier, and during the heyday of Greek civilization the cult of Zeus reigned, so the new shrine was dedicated to him.
The Temple of Zeus began to be built in 472 BC. Like the Temple of Apollo Epicurius, the Palace of the Thunderer is associated with military actions: its construction was preceded by the legendary battle of the Greeks with the Persians. Inspired by the victory, the inhabitants of Hellas did not skimp on donations, and construction took little time. Building structures from the best materials were selected for the palace, and the work was carried out by the most experienced architects of Greece. The temple was decorated with relief sculptures, monuments and a luxurious statue of Zeus by the great Phidias. The completion of construction dates back to 456 BC.
According to the restored plans of Olympia, the temple was located in the very center of the Sacred Grove (Altis). On the west it was adjacent to Phidias’s workshop, and on the east and north sides the palace was surrounded by sculptures and votive gifts. For the ancient Greeks, the Temple of Zeus was the most important shrine. In terms of importance, only the Byzantine Cathedral of Sophia or the most famous palace in Asia, the Taj Mahal, are comparable to it.
Read also: Temple of Hephaestus in Athens - history, description, information for tourists
The loss of the former grandeur of the ancient palace is associated with the crisis of Greek civilization, and then the decline of the Roman Republic. With the advent of Christianity, the temple was destroyed, and the surviving fragments were hidden under a layer of sand by powerful earthquakes of 520-550. Archaeologists were able to excavate the remains and restore the appearance of the shrine only in the 19th century.
Architectural landmarks
Built by the best architects of Greece, the palace became the largest in the Peloponnese: the length of the base was 64 m and the width was 28 m.
The Temple of Zeus at Olympia represents a Doric perimeter, i.e. The building is surrounded on all sides by a colonnade (by the way, this style would later be partially adopted by the school of Middle Byzantine architecture). At the ends religious building there were 6 columns, and 13 on the sides. Moreover, they were all perfect shape, i.e. this is the very first example of the classical style of Greek architecture.
The decor of the temple is of particular interest to researchers. Sculptural groups depicting mythological subjects were placed on the pediments and metopes. The composition of the eastern pediment tells the story of the competition between Pelops and Oenomaus, which Zeus vigilantly watches. The western pediment shows scenes from the battle of the Lapiths with the centaurs, and the 12 labors of Hercules are depicted on the metopes. Fragments of these sculptural groups were found and partially restored.
The main feature of the temple is the monumental statue of Olympian Zeus, which later became one of the wonders of the world. A majestic sculpture made of ebony, ivory, gold and precious stones, struck those who entered the temple. The height of the figure sitting on the throne was 10 meters: it seemed that if the Thunderer stood up, he would rise even above the temple itself. The sculpture was located in the center of the hall, with viewing galleries on the sides. Unfortunately, this masterpiece was lost in ancient times.
The reconstruction of the appearance of the palace of Zeus made it possible to understand that the Greek temples were as majestic as the churches and monasteries of the architecture of Western and Eastern Europe built in the Middle Ages. Although in the XI-XIII centuries the development of construction was at a completely different level.
Today, only ruins remain on the site of the sanctuary, but even a small part of the temple is worth the attention of modern tourists, because it carries the grandeur of ancient times.
How to get to the Temple of Zeus in Olympia
To admire the columns of the ancient sanctuary with your own eyes, you need to go to the Peloponnese, to the town of Olympia.
We warn you once again: do not confuse the temple with the statue of Zeus in Olympia and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, located near the acropolis in Athens!
Olympia is a small settlement, the main part of which is an archaeological complex. There is no own transport here; travelers are brought by tourist buses or public transport from other cities. If you prefer independent trips to excursion packages, then you can get to the Temple of Zeus in Olympia in three ways.
Buses from Athens
From the Greek capital, from Kifisou Street, where Terminal A is located, there are direct flights twice a day to Olympia (via Pyrgos). Bus departure times from Athens are 09:30 and 13:00, the journey will take 5.5 hours, and the ticket will cost 28 euros.
In addition, from the same bus stand there are buses to Pyrgos every hour (from 06:30 to 21:30). Here you need to transfer to the bus to Olympia, which runs hourly.
The Athens Temple of Olympian Zeus is a unique structure in many aspects. A record for the duration of the construction, half the period of prosperity and the minimum remaining in a vast fenced area, and all this in the very center of the Greek capital. Many will say that there is nothing to see there, but this is not at all true - this is the historical heart of Greece.
At first glance, it’s a little strange to see an area the size of several football fields practically free of buildings. However, the preserved base of the temple and especially the dozen and a half tall columns look impressive.
The standing columns are connected by lintels, and all structural elements are made from marble quarried nearby. The deposit on Mount Pentelikon provided ornamental stone not only for the Temple of Olympian Zeus, but also for the construction of Hadrian's Arch and the restored stands of the Panathinaikos Stadium, where the first Olympic Games in modern history were held.
Among the deities of Ancient Greece, Zeus was supreme god, commanding all beings on the earth's firmament. Sea waters and their inhabitants were commanded by his brother Poseidon, another brother Hades was in charge of the kingdom of the dead. Zeus had numerous offspring both from his wife Hera and from other goddesses and mortal women. His daughter Athena personified wisdom and patronized artists and craftsmen.
She was also the patroness of Athens, where the Parthenon Temple on Mount Acropolis is dedicated to her. However, the temple of Olympian Zeus was far superior to all other sanctuaries, together with the surrounding territory only slightly inferior to the area of the entire rock of the Acropolis.
To guide future visitors to Athens, the review provides a diagram of the main structures located in the temple area. The intention of the creators of the sanctuary is clearly visible to make the temple the center of attraction for all visitors to this sacred structure.
There is enough space left around the temple to view it from a sufficient distance, because details are visible up close, but the feeling of majesty is lost.
The diagram shows both structures built at the same time as the temple and later, as well as much earlier ones, more than 400 years BC. It was at this time that the construction of the Temple of Zeus began, but it dragged on for six long centuries.
The specification for the above diagram names all surrounding structures and provides the completion dates for their construction. The table shows that the most ancient are the wall of Themistocles, the palace of Apollo of Delphi and the ruins of the ancient courthouse.
The Arch of Hadrian, near which most of those heading to the Temple of Olympian Zeus pass, and other buildings from the time of Hadrian - Roman baths, another sanctuary of Zeus, a residential village and the later palace of Kronos and Rhea, the parents of Zeus, are also indicated.
According to legend, Kronos ate his children because of his mother Gaia's prediction that they would deprive their father of power. However, Rhea hid the child, and the prediction came true.
From the territory of the Temple of Olympian Zeus one can clearly see the majestic Acropolis, built 5 centuries BC, that is, before even the first attempts to build the temple described. At the same time, the religious buildings located on an inaccessible rock, although they are damaged, have been preserved quite completely compared to several columns on the large base of the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
The duration of construction of the Temple of Olympian Zeus is explained by repeated stoppages due to changes in rulers or the death of the architect. The biggest pause occurred during the period of Rome's introduction Christian religion, which led to the rejection of all other beliefs. Only the coming to power of the tolerant Emperor Hadrian made it possible to complete the grandiose unfinished construction.
The jewel of the temple was a giant statue of Zeus seated on a throne, a copy of the work of the great Phidias for the temple in the city of Olympia, which is often confused with Athens, and little of it remained due to the fire. The statue of Zeus was considered by the ancient Greeks to be one of the seven wonders of the world and shared the fate of most of them - after all, only the Egyptian pyramids have survived to this day.
The work of Phidias is described as a miracle made of ivory and gold (allegedly 200 kg of precious metal were needed). The statue was about 15 meters in height; with 17-meter columns, Zeus almost reached the ceiling with his head.
The destruction of the temple was not due to antiquity or mistakes of the builders, it was mainly the work of human hands. The structure had a large margin of safety, which can be seen today by examining the powerful foundation made of huge thick slabs in several layers.
Columns 2 meters in diameter are installed on additional supports, and hidden fasteners are provided. However, out of more than a hundred columns, only what visitors see during the tour remains.
The oldest versions of the structure were dismantled for the construction of fortifications that protected Athens from raids, and after the accession of the Romans, the rulers, who were in the habit of using the treasures of conquered countries to decorate their own buildings, dismantled the parts they needed.
When Constantine the Great actually legalized Christianity in the 300s AD, he did not introduce a ban on other rituals and beliefs, but Theodosius did, which outlawed the temple and deprived it of state protection.
High seismic activity and plunder quickly turned the unique structure into ruins.
At the top of the columns, they end in decorative capitals, which simultaneously serve as supports for horizontal connecting beams. These structural elements connected the columns in the longitudinal and transverse directions, providing rigidity to the entire structure.
At the same time, the upper horizontal beams served as support for the architraves - the main elements of the floors and roofs of buildings. In addition to their decorative purpose, the capitals also had the engineering function of transferring loads between components buildings.
In the Temple of Olympian Zeus, capitals of the Corinthian order were used, combining strength and grace.
The stone fence marks the temple area where no other construction took place. Various components found at the site of the destroyed building are collected near the walls. Here there are structural elements and blanks for them of varying degrees of processing, which are displayed on a selection of slides.
Stone blocks were hewn out by hand by ancient stonemasons using simple tools. The presented collection shows the different stages of stone processing, from rough shaping to finishing, ensuring a tight fit to each other without the use of a binder solution.
The final stage is carried out by stone cutters, who are able to embody smooth shapes in solid material.
In addition to the main group of columns connected by upper lintels, which visitors viewed at the eastern end of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, in its western part two single columns miraculously survived and one lies scattered into its constituent elements. The design consisting of individual disks, then connected into a vertical product, becomes clear. The details need to be considered as you get closer.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus was the largest temple in Greece, taking more than seven centuries to build. Construction of the Olympion began in the sixth century BC, during the Archaic period. But the temple was finally completed only in the second century AD, during the Roman era. Construction began in 515 BC on the orders of the tyrant Peisistratus, but stopped just five years later when the tyrant's son was overthrown. During the subsequent democratic period, the temple was considered a symbol of oppression and work was stopped.
History of the Temple of Zeus
Construction resumed in 175 BC, under the reign of King Antiochus IV Epiphanes. He hired the Roman architect Cossucius to design the largest temple in the world. Unfortunately, 10 years later (in 164 BC) Antiochus died and work stopped once again. In 132 n. e., during his second visit to Athens, Emperor Hadrian decided to complete the temple and dedicate it to Olympian Zeus. 
The Temple of Zeus became the center of a new area called Adrianopolis. The Olympion was the largest temple in Ancient Greece, even larger than the Parthenon. The structure was originally designed in the Doric style, with two rows of eight wide columns in width, and two rows of 21 columns in length. Cossucius significantly modified the original design. He added Corinthian pilasters and also changed the arrangement of columns, while maintaining the original number. Emperor Hadrian decided to choose this design and strictly follow it. 
Today, only fifteen of more than a hundred large columns, 17.25 meters high, have survived. The Sixteenth Column was destroyed in a terrible storm in 1852, but its ruins still lie where it fell. The columns, two meters in diameter, were built from marble from the Pentelic quarry. They surrounded the cella, in which were placed two large statues: a gold and ivory statue of Zeus and a statue of the Emperor Hadrian. The statue of Zeus was an exact copy of the statue of Zeus created by the famous Greek sculptor Phidias at Olympia. Unfortunately, none of the statues have survived to this day.
Arch of Hadrian
In 131 AD, the Athenians built a closed arch in honor of Emperor Hadrian. The eighteen-meter-high arch is located northwest of the temple. It is engraved with two sentences. The inscription on the side of the Acropolis reads "This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus." The other side of the arch overlooks the temple and the part of the city built by Hadrian, and the inscription indicates that “This is the city of Hadrian, not Theseus.” The inscriptions refer to the founders of the new and old city of Athens: the arch symbolically divided the old city (founded by the mythical hero Theseus) and new city Adrianopolis, founded by the Roman Emperor Hadrian. 
Several other structures in the Temple of Zeus complex were discovered during excavations at Olympion, including Roman baths from the 130s and several temples from the same period.
According to legend, the temple was built on the site of the sanctuary of the mythical Deucalion, the forefather of the Greek people.
The construction of the temple began during the period of the tyranny of Peisistratus, in 515 BC. e. Athenian democracy had little interest in the temple; Themistocles (commander of the Greco-Persian Wars of 500-449 BC, statesman of Athens) even used parts of it for a defensive wall that connected Athens with Piraeus (its excavated site is visible next to the temple).
In 175-164. BC e. The king of Hellenistic Syria, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, began to complete the construction of the Temple of Zeus (already in the Corinthian order). In 84 BC. e. The Roman dictator Sulla, who used to take everything he liked to Rome, removed several luxurious carved capitals from the columns of Zeus and used them to build the temple of its Roman counterpart - Jupiter Capitolinus. Despite this robbery, the historian Titus Livy, almost a century later, calls the Athenian temple of Zeus “the only one in the world worthy of this deity.” It is easy to understand his admiration: the 15 standing columns date back to the time of Antiochus.
The temple was completed only 650 years after the start of construction, under the Roman Emperor Hadrian, an admirer of Greek culture. A fan so passionate that, wanting to be like the great Greeks, he - contrary to all the rules of imperial decency - even decided to grow a beard. The consecration of the new temple, which Hadrian dedicated to Olympian Zeus, was timed to coincide with the emperor's second visit to Athens and became the central point of the program of the Panhellenic festivals of 132.
Currently, one corner of the temple has survived, consisting of 14 columns topped with Corinthian capitals, 2 free-standing columns and one fallen.
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The Greek Peloponnese peninsula is directly connected with the history of the Olympic Games and the veneration of the God Zeus. It is on this site that today there are the ruins of the famous temple, where a huge statue of Zeus was installed. Of course, over time, only stones remained from the religious building, but even in this state this place evokes sacred awe in many who visit it.
Complex at the foot of Kronos
The temple is located 300 km from Athens at the base of Mount Kronos. It was rebuilt by the Greeks between 471 and 456 BC. The design of the Doric temple at that time was developed by the architect Libon.
In 884 BC, the first sports games began to be held in the Peloponnese, dedicating each significant victory to Zeus. When the start of the games was announced in Greece, all internecine conflicts and wars subsided for a while. Kings and leaders could freely stay near the arenas, since their safety was guaranteed by the way of life and rules of Ancient Greece. After the end of the competition, everything returned to its place, and the enemies again began to quarrel with each other.
In the 5th century BC, Olympia became the religious center of all Greece. The Olympic Games were held on a regular basis, firmly becoming part of Greek culture as an important part of it.
Temple of Zeus: description
Scientists and archaeologists were able to accurately restore the parameters of the temple at Olympia. The architecture of the temple was as follows:
- 6 columns are stretched along the width of the perimeter;
- 13 run along the length at the base;
- Roofs and walls made of marble;
- Shell rock foundation;
- Metopes with the labors of Hercules;
- Pediments with sculptures and compositions;
- The figure of Zeus behind the curtain in the center.
The statue of Zeus in the temple stretched 15 meters in height. The sculpture looked like a God seated on an imposing throne. This composition evoked admiration and awe. Therefore, it was included in the notorious 7 wonders of the world.
Today, on the territory of the tourist complex there is an archaeological museum, part of the exhibitions of which is made up of sculptures and fragments preserved in the temple. Thanks to the meticulous work of historians, the past appearance of the temple and the statue of Zeus has been reconstructed with a large number of details and details.
Archaeologists were able to find out that the base of the statue of Zeus was made of wooden shields that covered ivory plates. The God's robe was inlaid with gold, and his eyes were precious stones.
The throne of Zeus was richly decorated with gold embossing, jewelry and stone figures. Right hand God was occupied by a miniature sculpture of Nike, and in his left was a scepter with an eagle made of gold.
It is believed that 200 kilograms of gold were spent to build the statue of Zeus. The materials from which the majestic statue was made required special conditions and care. Therefore, temple priests regularly anointed the ivory with olive oil and also polished other parts of the statue.
In Greece there was a tradition according to which every Hellene was simply obliged to see the great statue in person at least once in his life. So his life was considered not lived in vain.
The fate of the statue of Zeus is not known for certain. There are two versions of her further fate:
- Based on one historical version, we can conclude that the temple and statue were destroyed according to the edict of Theodoric, ordering the destruction of all pagan manifestations on this land;
- Another version points to 475 BC. It was then that the statue was allegedly exhibited in Constantinople, but then it burned down during a fire in the palace.
The artist and sculptor Phidias is considered the author of the famous sculpture of Zeus on the throne. Thanks to the painting he left behind, scientists were able to accurately restore the appearance of the statue, and also learned a lot of other data that accompanied the history of the landmark.
Conditions for visiting Olympia
Entrance to the tourist part of the Peloponnese Olympia is paid for tourists. The main tourist adventure begins at the archaeological museum. Then a beautiful road among cypress trees leads to the foot of the mountain, where the ruins of the temple are located.
The cost of entry to Olympia is approximately 6 euros. The same amount will have to be paid for visiting the museum. The price of a comprehensive ticket is 9 euros.
On weekends, the complex is open from 8.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The summer season lasts from May to October. During this period, the complex is open from 8 to 19 pm. In winter, the complex operates until 17:00 in the evening.
There are water fountains for drinking at the entrance to Olympia. Sightseeing can last up to 4 hours, so you need to take sunscreen with you. Otherwise, no one can guarantee safe exposure to the sun during the day.
There is a cafe on site where you can dine on local food. Every year this attraction hosts huge amount tourists.
The Temple of Zeus at Olympia is a combination of architecture and sculptural creativity. Its appearance and style have been elevated to the rank of classics. Until now, no one has been able to repeat or surpass him in grace or external harmony. UNESCO has included this temple in its famous heritage list for its grandeur and historical significance. A trip to the ruins and a visit to the local museum will help anyone feel the beauty and importance of this place.
How to get to the Temple of Zeus?
On Kifisou Street in Athens there is a bus stop from where they go to Pyrgos. These buses travel on their routes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. In Pyrgos you will have to change planes to Olympia.
You can also get to Olympia through Patras. There are also buses running from early morning until late evening. Those travelers who plan to visit Olympia after disembarking from a cruise ship can do so at the port of Katakolon.
The easiest way to get to the Temple of Zeus is by car or tour bus. This way you can avoid unnecessary transfers. If the choice nevertheless fell on public transport, then it is worth remembering that on holidays and weekends these buses run much less frequently.
Address:Archea Olimpia 270 65, Greece
Telephone: +30 2624 022517
Opening hours: 8-20 (7 days a week)
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