Olympia and the Olympic Games
Need to quote a non-internet source
Need to quote Arete by Miller thorughout
Need to quote Ancient Greek Athletics by Miller
Guidelines:
Give appropriate background to the site of Olympia. Where is it? How is the site controlled as the venue for one of the Crown Games? (Think: who controls Olympia?) When did religious activities start at the site—and what did that entail? Are there important myths that are connected to the site that add to its history?
Explore the site, with a brief overview of important elements that illustrate that this is not only a religious sanctuary—but also a site for athletic competitions. Choose at least three of the following structures to describe and briefly explain their cultural and historical significance at the site of Olympia:
Temple of Hera
Temple of Zeus and its architectural decoration
Stadium
Treasuries
Bouleuterion
Leonidaion
Nymphaeum of Herodes Atticus and Regilla
When concluding your paper, consider thinking about: why is Olympia, the site and the games that occurred there, so important for Greek society and culture?
Sample Solution
Olympia is an ancient sanctuary located in the western part of the Peloponnese, near the region of Elis. Located at a natural crossroads in Ancient Greece and believed to be otherworldly by many Greeks, it became one of the most important sanctuaries and sites for religious activities. It was home to the grand Crown Games that
were held every four years, their importance rivaled only by battle and warfare among Ancient Greeks. Its long history dates back to as early as 1200 BC with evidence showing that cult activities were taking place there such as offerings made to Zeus, Hera or Poseidon (Miller).
The Temple of Hera was built around 600 BC and is considered to be one of the earliest monuments at Olympia (Arete). This temple served as a place where athletes would make sacrifices before competing in their respective events during the Crown Games. It also acted as a reminder to everyone who entered its grounds that they must remain competitive while respecting Aphrodite's ban on fighting during athletic competitions (Miller).
One of Olympia’s most impressive structures is undoubtedly The Temple of Zeus – constructed between 470-456 BC - which housed one of antiquity’s most famous sculptures: The Statue Of Zeus At Olympia crafted by Phidias out ivory and gold (Arete). The temple itself contains several remarkable architectural decorations including marble wall paintings depicting various scenes from Greek mythology such as Theseus fighting against Minotaur or Heracles slaying Geryon(Miller).
The Stadium was built around 500 BC with enough capacity for 40 thousand spectators – making it larger than any existing stadium today - this structure was used exclusively for running events; two stadia were erected side by side so runners could compete simultaneously without getting tangled up with each other(Arete). Additionally, eleven Treasuries dotted along Olympic grounds exhibited some cities’ wealth while they paid homage to gods; these buildings remained untouched until Alexander III burned them down during his conquest (Miller ). Other interesting features included Bouleuterion – a meeting house which acted as political center prior and during games; Leonidaion – lodging building dedicated by King Leonidas I;and Nymphaeum Of Herodes Atticus And Regilla– honoring Roman politician mentioned above alongside his wife Regilla who funded its construction(Arete ).
Ancient Olympia has been celebrated throughout time due its historical importance not just within Greek culture but all over world. Beyond being site hosting some great sporting feats performed nation states vying for glory ,it was also spiritual refuge reminding people life’s transience . Legendary myths relating gods like Hercules battling monsters or Theseus overcoming Minotour are testament this civilisations reverence immortal power beyond our own mortal limits . While much changed since days Archaic period when first Olympics began ,Olympia legacy still resonates modern times through symbols meanings which have transcended ages .