Overview:

Olympia is an archaeological site in the western Peloponnese, in Greece. It is best known for being the site of the ancient Olympic Games, and is still an important pilgrimage site and tourist attraction. The history of Olympia dates back to prehistoric times, when it was home to a Minoan deity, then later an important Mycenaean center. During classical times, Olympia was known for its athletic and religious festivals, the most famous of which was the Olympic Games. The ruins of the ancient city are located near the modern town of Olympia, and the site is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Greece
Prominent Features:

1. Ancient Greek Temple of Zeus: One of the most prominent features of the Olympia archaeological site in Greece is the ancient Greek temple of Zeus. Built in the 6th century BC, the temple is dedicated to the chief Ancient Greek god, Zeus, and was the most important building of the archaeological site. It was in this temple where Heracles and the other gods who won at the Olympics were honored. 2. Temple of Hera: The Temple of Hera is another impressive structure on the Olympia archaeological site. It was dedicated to the goddess Hera, a protector of marriage, and was built in the 6th century BC. 3. Phillippi Stadium: The Phillippi Stadium was built in the 4th century BC and gave its name to the modern Olympic Games. It was used for the great Pan-Hellenic festivals and was the site of the only wars between ancient Greek states not to involve bloodshed. 4. Altar of Zeus: The Altar of Zeus is located near the Temple of Zeus and was an important center of worship for the Ancient Greeks. It was dedicated to the king of the gods, Zeus, and was used for religious ceremonies and sacrifices. 5. Workshop of Pheidias: Another feature of the Olympia archaeological site is the Workshop of Pheidias. Built in the 5th century BC, it was used by the renowned Greek sculptor Pheidias to create sculptures of the gods. 6. Archaeological Museum of Olympia: The Archaeological Museum of Olympia houses a rich collection of finds from the archaeological site, including sculptures, pottery, and other artifacts. It is a must-see on a visit to Olympia. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Greece.

History:

Olympia is an archaeological site in Elis, Peloponnese, Greece, that has been associated with the Olympic Games since antiquity. The site was first inhabited in the Neolithic period, and began its extensive history in the 10th century BC, when the local Alfeios and Kladeos rivers were controlled as possible portage routes across the Peloponnese. The ancient historic period of the site began in the 8th century BC, when the sanctuary of Zeus at Olympia was founded and dedicated to the god's worship. In the 6th century BC, the legendary King of Elis, Iphitus, initiated the Olympic Games and the sanctuary was gradually enlarged and embellished. After the Edict of Dioclesean in the 3rd century BC, the Roman Empire sought to take control of the games and the sanctuary. This was only successful, however, after the Romans had first forced the nearby Pisa to a standstill prior to 234 BC. By this time the Temple of Zeus (and, by extension, of the god Hercules and the nearby Parthenon of Athena) had been constructed at Olympia and the games had become a religious and secular festival of great importance throughout the region. During Roman times the Games continued undisturbed and were further embellished in honor of the Roman emperor Augustus. In AD 393, emperor Theodosius I officially banned all pagan festivals, forcing the Games to end soon afterwards. The sanctuary was destroyed by a great fire in 426 BC and plundered by invasions in the 5th and 6th centuries. It was left as a ruin until it was rediscovered in the 19th century. The remains of the site and the Olympic Games were later successfully re-established, and continue to be celebrated every four years. Visit one of the famous monuments of Greece with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The oldest structures at Olympia, dating from the Early Helladic period (3000-2200 BC), are now buried beneath the newer ruins. 2. Olympia became a full-fledged religious centre from the 8th century BC, with temples dedicated to the gods Zeus, Hera, Poseidon and Rhea. 3. The ancient Olympic games were held here every four years to honour of the god Zeus, and ran from 776 BC until 394 AD when they were banned by the Roman Emperor Theodosius I. 4. The greatest monuments at the archaeological site are the Temple of Zeus and the Temple of Hera, both built in the 6th century BC and decorated with sculptures by the famous ancient Greek sculptor Pheidias. 5. The Nike of Paeonios from 425 BC is one of the most famous sculptures from Olympia. It depicted the goddess of victory, Nike, on a chariot pulled by four horses. 6. Olympia has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1989. One of the historical monuments of Greece, it tells the story of a bygone era