/tags/zeus.rss en-us 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. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:29:23 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/ancient-olympia http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/ancient-olympia