Temple of Zeus in Olympia

Ancient Greek Mythology, Religion, Art

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One of the seven wonders of the ancient world was located in Olympia: the gigantic ivory and gold statue of Zeus created by Phidias whose nearby workshop was first excavated in the 1950s. Greek geographer Pausanias write in the 2nd century CE: "In his right hand a figure of Victory made from ivory and gold. In his left hand, his scepter inlaid with all metals, and an eagle perched on the sceptre. The sandals of the god are made of gold, as is his robe."

The statue of a seated Zeus in the temple was 14m hight (a four story building) and sat on a base 6.5m wide and 1m high. The statue barely fit in the temple and gave the impression that, if Zeus were to rise up from this throne, he would take the roof off. Because it was made from ivory oil was regularly poured over it to protect it from the humidity, giving it a glistening sheen.

A Doric peripheral temple with 6 columns in front and 13 columns along the side, the Temple of Zeus measuries 64.12m x 27.66m. It was designed by Libon, an architect from Eleia, and built between 470 and 456 BCE using spoils from the 472 BCE war between Eleia and Pisa (which had resulted in Pisa's destruction). The Temple of Zeus was further built on a raised platform, giving it a commanding presence for the entire city.

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