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Wander the Grounds of the First Olympic Games at the Ruins of Ancient Olympia
Published by Catherine O'Halloran, Writer
Country: Greece 
The Experience
Ancient Olympia, site of the first Olympic Games, is one of the most important sites of antiquity in Greece. Nestled between the Alfios and Kladeos rivers, Ancient Olympia started out as a grove devoted to the Greek god Zeus in the 10th century BC. Today, the buildings are now weather-worn ruins beneath the cool refuge of the valley.
The Olympic Games as we know them began in the 8th century BC and were organized by three rulers as a type of truce between their lands. Since that day, the Olympic Games have occurred every four years from 776 BC to AD 393 during the full moon after the summer harvest. At a time when Ancient Olympia was the centre of the Games, the rules about who could participate were very strict. Only true-born, free Greek men were allowed to compete. Winners were crowned with a branch off the olive tree which grew next to the Temple of Zeus. The women of Ancient Olympia were banned from viewing or participating in the Games, and were killed if caught sneaking in.
The present day grounds of Ancient Olympia fosters twenty-three intact ruins, with the gold medal in grandiose charm going to the Stadium where the Games were actually held. Walking through the archway entrance moves visitors to a primitive time where ancient Olympians once competed. The power of Ancient Olympia comes to life as countless visitors burst into a foot-race across the Stadium's field.
While retracing the steps of athletes through Ancient Olympia, it can be hard to control your imagination, which is easily overrun with thoughts of spectators and world-class athletes bringing forth an era of athletic mastery. During this five-day period on the sun-baked soil of Ancient Olympia, athletes competed in events such as the long jump, wrestling, chariot races, boxing, discus, javelin and running; many of which are still practiced today.
Both the temple of Zeus and the altar of Zeus are impressive, showing Ancient Olympia’s dedication to this Greek deity. The Temple of Zeus used to house the Zeus Statue: one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was sculpted by Phidias, and was revered by all, standing 12-meters high and made of ivory and gold-plated bronze. During the time of the Games, it was worshipped by civilians who believed the statue was a rare opportunity to commune directly with Zeus. Although the sculpture no longer exists, you can visit Phidias’ workshop while roaming through Ancient Olympia.
Other monuments worth seeing in Ancient Olympia, having stood the trials of time, are the Baths of Kladeos (a place where the athletes could rest and recuperate), and the Palaestra (a training ground for the ancient Olympians). Although it is mostly an open field now, the Palaestra is still an amazing place to walk on knowing it was the ground on which so many trained for glory. It can be easy to forget that these ruins are over 2,000 years-old, and as such, are amazing that they are standing at all.
For those who have a difficulty imagining the ruins of Ancient Olympia at their peak grandeur, the Olympia Archaeological Museum is very helpful. As a small museum, it can be seen in under an hour, and is a must for anyone visiting Ancient Olympia. The Olympia Archaeological Museum showcases pieces found at Ancient Olympia, such as the Hermes of Praxiteles from the 4th century BC, Nike the Goddess of Victory, and many artifacts representing Zeus.
The Olympic Games as we know them began in the 8th century BC and were organized by three rulers as a type of truce between their lands. Since that day, the Olympic Games have occurred every four years from 776 BC to AD 393 during the full moon after the summer harvest. At a time when Ancient Olympia was the centre of the Games, the rules about who could participate were very strict. Only true-born, free Greek men were allowed to compete. Winners were crowned with a branch off the olive tree which grew next to the Temple of Zeus. The women of Ancient Olympia were banned from viewing or participating in the Games, and were killed if caught sneaking in.
The present day grounds of Ancient Olympia fosters twenty-three intact ruins, with the gold medal in grandiose charm going to the Stadium where the Games were actually held. Walking through the archway entrance moves visitors to a primitive time where ancient Olympians once competed. The power of Ancient Olympia comes to life as countless visitors burst into a foot-race across the Stadium's field.
While retracing the steps of athletes through Ancient Olympia, it can be hard to control your imagination, which is easily overrun with thoughts of spectators and world-class athletes bringing forth an era of athletic mastery. During this five-day period on the sun-baked soil of Ancient Olympia, athletes competed in events such as the long jump, wrestling, chariot races, boxing, discus, javelin and running; many of which are still practiced today.
Both the temple of Zeus and the altar of Zeus are impressive, showing Ancient Olympia’s dedication to this Greek deity. The Temple of Zeus used to house the Zeus Statue: one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was sculpted by Phidias, and was revered by all, standing 12-meters high and made of ivory and gold-plated bronze. During the time of the Games, it was worshipped by civilians who believed the statue was a rare opportunity to commune directly with Zeus. Although the sculpture no longer exists, you can visit Phidias’ workshop while roaming through Ancient Olympia.
Other monuments worth seeing in Ancient Olympia, having stood the trials of time, are the Baths of Kladeos (a place where the athletes could rest and recuperate), and the Palaestra (a training ground for the ancient Olympians). Although it is mostly an open field now, the Palaestra is still an amazing place to walk on knowing it was the ground on which so many trained for glory. It can be easy to forget that these ruins are over 2,000 years-old, and as such, are amazing that they are standing at all.
For those who have a difficulty imagining the ruins of Ancient Olympia at their peak grandeur, the Olympia Archaeological Museum is very helpful. As a small museum, it can be seen in under an hour, and is a must for anyone visiting Ancient Olympia. The Olympia Archaeological Museum showcases pieces found at Ancient Olympia, such as the Hermes of Praxiteles from the 4th century BC, Nike the Goddess of Victory, and many artifacts representing Zeus.
When to Go to Olympia Greece
The best time of year to visit Ancient Olympia is during their summer: May - September (also known as the dry season). The temperatures will be in the mid to high 30s, but you will always have sunny weather. If you visit during off-peak times—primarily during the rainy season—there will be fewer crowds, but you will run the risk of sloshing through the rain.
Far enough from large cities, the Ancient Olympia ruins are protected from much degradation due to pollution. The weather, however, will always beat down on the ruins, so the longer you wait to visit Ancient Olympia, the less there will be left to see.
Far enough from large cities, the Ancient Olympia ruins are protected from much degradation due to pollution. The weather, however, will always beat down on the ruins, so the longer you wait to visit Ancient Olympia, the less there will be left to see.
Odds n' Ends
There are multiple ways to get to ancient Olympia. From the port of Katakolon, a 45-minute taxi ride will get you to the site of Olympia. You will have to barter with the taxi drivers to get the lowest price, and be aware that they do not take more than four people at a time. The best price we found was €80; otherwise, there is a train station with a stop on the eastern end of ancient Olympia. If taking a taxi from the port city of Katakolon, make sure to take time to explore the port as the shopping and cafes are well worth a visit. Ancient Olympia is easily walked, being approximately 15 minutes south of the modern village.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and light clothing, especially during the summer, as the site is entirely outside and involves a lot of walking. The more comfortable you are, the more you will enjoy your visit. A bottle of water is also a good item to have with you.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and light clothing, especially during the summer, as the site is entirely outside and involves a lot of walking. The more comfortable you are, the more you will enjoy your visit. A bottle of water is also a good item to have with you.
Places to Stay Nearby
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Elsewhere on the Web
Media References
- The Zeus Trip - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- Introduction to Olympia - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- Where the Games Began - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- Olympia The Ancient Site - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
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