5 Facts about Zeus Olympia, Once the Largest Temple in Ancient Times

The Temple of Zeus Olympia holds significant historical importance as the sanctuary dedicated to the Greek mythology god, Zeus, in Athens, Greece, and is considered one of the wonders of the world. 

Athens boasts many historical sites, such as the Acropolis of Athens, Hadrian's Gate, Philopappus, and the ancient Agora. 

Today, the Temple of Zeus Olympia consists only of a few statues and tall pillars. 

Zeus Olympia was first identified by the English antiquities expert, Richard Chandler, in 1766. 

Subsequently, in May 1826, a team of French archaeologists, Leon Jean Joseph Dubois and Abel Blouet, excavated the Zeus temple for the first time. 

Here, the author invites you to delve into the historical facts about Zeus Olympia.

1. Construction of Zeus Olympia began in the 6th century BC

According to Athens Guide, the construction of the Temple of Zeus Olympia actually began in the 6th century BC during the rule of Peisistratos, the tyrant or ruler of Athens. 

Earlier, the construction had been halted due to financial constraints. Another reason was in 510 BC, when the tyrant of Athens, Hippias, was overthrown by Cleisthenes, an Athenian aristocrat from the Alcmaeonid family. 

Serious damage occurred during the temple's construction process by Lucius Cornelius Sulla in 86 BC. 

When Sulla seized Athens, he confiscated several column components and took them to Rome. Eventually, the temple was completed in 131 AD. 

Massive construction was undertaken during the reign of Antiochus IV, the emperor of the Seleucid Empire. 

Macedonia hired Roman architect Cossotius to make this temple the largest in the world in ancient times. 

Its design consisted of three rows of eight columns on the front and back of the temple and two double rows of twenty on its sides, making a total of 104 columns. 

These columns stood at a height of 17 meters and had a diameter of 2 meters, as reported by More Greece. 

Later, Athens was ruled by the Roman emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD. 

The Roman emperor erected a giant statue of Zeus made of gold and ivory inside the temple.

2. The Grand Statue of Zeus at Olympia

According to Britannica, the statue of Zeus is recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. 

The statue, made of gold and ivory, depicts Zeus seated on a cedarwood throne adorned with ebony and precious stones, reaching a height of nearly 40 feet. 

The statue of Zeus is posed with his right hand holding a statue of Nike, and in his left hand, he holds a royal scepter with an eagle perched atop it.

3. Olympia Site Built for the Worship of Zeus

UNESCO reports that the Olympia site is located in the Peloponnesian valley, where settlements have been venerating the god Zeus since the 10th century BC. 

During the Neolithic era, the Pan-Hellenic sacred site was established as a center for religious, political, and sporting activities. 

Primarily, Pan-Hellenic became a central place for the worship of Zeus, the father of the twelve Olympian gods. 

The Olympic Games celebrations commenced in 776 BC, undoubtedly with the purpose of honoring the god Zeus. 

Since then, the Olympic Games have been held every four years, with two consecutive celebrations falling in every fifth year. 

Unfortunately, the statue of Zeus is believed to have been destroyed by Pheidias, an ancient Greek sculptor, around 430 BC.

4. Zeus Olympia Protected by Various Authorities

This temple is protected under the provisions of Law Number 3028 of 2002 concerning the protection of ancient objects and cultural heritage in general. 

Not only that, Olympia and everything within it are designated as an archaeological site (State Gazette 128/B and 216/B of 1992). 

The property has sufficient buffer areas and effective protection to prevent potential threats of small-scale development in Olympia in the future. 

The temple also falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Culture, Education, and Religion through the Ephorate of Antiquities of Eleia, the authority responsible for the management of the Archaeological site and Museum of Olympia. 

They oversee any illegal excavation activities, monitor and intervene when necessary, based on UNESCO reports.

5. Preservation of the Authenticity of Zeus Olympia

The sacred site of Olympia and its surroundings still maintain their authenticity in almost pristine condition from ancient times to the present. 

This means that the sacred grove of Zeus is covered with the same trees and plants as in ancient times. 

Additionally, the ancient monuments displayed in Olympia have not undergone any interventions. 

Legacies such as non-material aspects like the values of fair competition and the sacred truce are also preserved. 

A critical period occurred when Zeus Olympia suffered severe damage due to the plundering by the Heruli in Athens in 267 AD. 

This was further exacerbated in 425 AD when the temple was closed by the Christian emperor 

Theodosius II, as he prohibited his subjects from worshiping the gods of ancient Rome and Greece.