Olympia

Olympia is known as the site of the Olympic Games in classical times. The Olympic Games were held every four years, with the first games dating back to 776 BC. In 394 AD, emperor Theodosius I banned them as they were then considered reminiscent of paganism.

Olympia is known as the site of the Olympic Games in classical times. The Olympic Games were held every four years, with the first games dating back to 776 BC. In 394 AD, emperor Theodosius I banned them as they were then considered reminiscent of paganism. The first Olympic Games were in honor of Zeus. Olympia is also known for the gigantic ivory and gold statue of Zeus that used to stand there, sculpted by Pheidias, which was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The classical period, between the 5th and 4th centuries BC, was the golden age of the site at Olympia. A wide range of new religious and secular buildings and structures were constructed . The Temple of Zeus was built in the middle of the 5th century BC. Its size, scale and ornamentation was beyond anything previously constructed on the site. Further sporting facilities, including the final iteration of the stadium, and the hippodrome were constructed.

During the Roman period, the games were opened up to all citizens of the Roman Empire. A programme of extensive repairs, including to the Temple of Zeus, and new building, took place. In 150 AD, the Nympheum was built. New baths replaced the older Greek examples in 100 AD and an aqueduct constructed 160 AD. The 3rd century saw the site suffer heavy damage from a series of earthquakes. Invading barbaric tribes in 267 AD led to the centre of the site being fortified with robbed material from its monuments. Despite the destruction the Olympic festival continued to be held at the site until the last Olympiad in 393 AD, after which a decree from the Christian emperor, Theodosius I implemented a ban. The workshop of Pheidias was turned into a Basilica and the site was inhabited by a Christian community until the late 6th century.