Olympia and the Olympic Games
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?
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The Temple of Hera was erected between 600-600 BC on a high terrace at the western end of Olympia. This sanctuary was dedicated to Hera, queen goddess and wife of Zeus; its construction symbolized her importance in Greek mythology. The temple featured magnificent architectural decoration—it had six Doric columns along its front facade that measured 17 meters (56 feet) tall—and also hosted offerings for sacrifices made during religious rituals honoring Hera.
The Temple of Zeus sat right next door to the Temple of Hera; built around 460-430 BC it was one of the largest temples ever constructed by Greeks. Its main area included sixteen giant columns measuring 19 meters (62 feet) high while its inner chamber featured an enormous gold-and-ivory statue depicting Zeus sitting atop his throne — this sculpture created by Pheidias is one example illustrating why Olympia has become so renowned for its architecture over time.
The Stadium at Olympia could house up to 40 000 spectators at once, making it one other unique feature about this site — for here occurred not only ancient religious ceremonies but also athletic competitions known collectively under name Crown Games or Olympics (the first being recorded in 776BC). Besides stadium itself there were several treasuries used by participating Polis’s as well as Bouleuterion where official announcements concerning events were made and Leonidaion which provided accommodation for athletes from all parts Greece competing at said games – both designed by Ictinus architect who contributed greatly towards shaping aesthetics within ancient greek sites such us Parthenon or Acropolis Athens . Finally Nymphaeum Herodes Atticus Regilla - fountain constructed 2nd century AD features menagerie marine species sculptures highlighting artistic skill craftsmanship passed down through generations
Olypmpia is not just significant because it served as a venue for early sports competitions but also because it held huge spiritual importance throughout ancient greek culture– myths relating creation olympian gods divine power connected strongly with many elements found within vicinity thus providing basis upon which historians archeologists study past societies cultures today . By looking closely microcosm structures buildings those found within sanctuary we can glimpse into world lived experienced hellenic people appreciate their way life even more . Such relics signify enduring legacy this place leaving mark future people will continue cherish centuries come .