Olympia

Why Olympia is special
Olympia is the birthplace of the Olympic Games, long the athletic pride of Greece. Today, Olympia is an outstanding archaeological site.

Olympia tips and insights
Brief history of the Olympic Games
They were launched in Olympia on the Peloponnesus Promontory of Greece in 776 BC. They continued for over 1000 years until the Emperor Theodosius I banned them in 393 AD for their pagan attributes. They then remained dormant for 1500 years until they were revived in Athens, Greece in 1896.

Women were banned
They were not allowed to participate or even view the Olympic Games. Violators were thrown off a mountain.

Deterioration
Over the centuries the splendid Olympia structures became ruins because of earthquakes, fires, plundering and other calamities. Neglect also played a role.

Discovery
The Olympia structures were discovered in the 18th century. The fact that silt from floods gradually buried the crumbling Olympia buildings helped preserve them.

Most famous ruin
It's the Temple of Zeus (see its fallen columns in the photo). Other major Olympia attractions include the Temple of Hera, Studio of Pheidies, Stadium, and onsite museum.

Seven Wonders of the World
The immense ivory-and-gold Statue of Zeus in the Temple of Zeus was one of the Original Seven Wonders of the World. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in a fire in 462 AD. Click the link below for my web page of this marvel.
Statue of Zeus

Accommodations
The nearby town of Olympia, Greece has a variety of accommodations and restaurants.

Location in Greece