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130th Olympic Games
Schedule of Events
Meet the Judges
Origin of the Games
Spotlight on Herakles
Olympic Plain
Code of Honor
Hall of Fame
Maidens' Race

 

Tour the home of the Olympics by clicking on the links below.

The Altis

The Stadium

The Hippodrome

The Treasuries

The Statues


The magnificent athletic-religious complex at Olympia, used only for the Olympic Games, embraces spectacular athletic facilities, temples, altars, monuments, and more.

Olympic Plain

 

 

The Altis

This sacred spot is the heart of Olympia. Within its three walls are located some of Olympia’s most famous attractions. They include:

The Temple of Zeus, built 200 years ago, which houses a breathtaking ivory and gold statue of the ruler of the gods. Marble slabs above the doors of the Temple are carved with representations of the 12 Labors of Herakles.

The Temple of Hera, the oldest temple in the Altis, featuring 40 columns, each one different in design.

The Zanes, 16 bronze statues of Zeus, paid for by fines levied on competitors caught cheating at the Olympics. They symbolize the commitment to keep the Games free of corruption.

The Sacred Olive Tree, the branches of which are used to make wreaths to crown Olympic victors.

 

The Stadium

Built in about the third year of the 107th Olympiad, this wondrous marble facility can seat up to 45,000 spectators for the footraces.

 

The Hippodrome

The site of chariot and horse races.

 

The Treasuries

These 12 small-scale versions of temples have been constructed by Hellene colonies as repositories for the valuable items and cash they have brought to Olympia as offerings to Zeus.

 

The Statues

Hundreds of statues dot the grounds at Olympia. They were erected to honor champions of the Games and Hellas’s many gods.

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2002 World Book copyright