Temple of Hera in Olympia
Ancient Greek Mythology, Religion, Art
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East of the Temple of Hera is the Altar of Hera, the place where the Olympic flame is still lit today. Olympic officials use a parabolic mirror to capture the sunlight as the source for the flame and that is transported by runner across the world to the city where the games are actually held. During the 2004 Summer Olympics hosted by Athens, the games finally returned to Olympia when the men's and women's shot put competition was held in the restored stadium.
Hera was the wife and sister of Zeus, leader of the gods whose massive temple is located south of Hera's here in Olympia. Hera was the goddess of women and marriage. The original Olympics were restricted to men, but every four years there was a second set of games just for the women and dedicated to the honor of Hera.
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