Ruins of the Temple of Zeus in Olympia

Ancient Greek Mythology, Religion, Art

« Back to Last Page | Photos: Mythology, Religion, Art in Olympia »

The Temple of Zeus was built long after the Olympic games started (776 BCE) and the construction of the Temple of Hera (600 BCE). It is generally believed that the Temple of Hera was a site for worshipping both Zeus and Hera until the construction of a temple specifically for Zeus. There is evidence that statues of both Hera and Zeus stood in the naos of this temple.

As can be seen in this undated photograph, the Temple of Zeus in Olympia has suffered a great deal of damage over the years. When Theodosius II ended the Olympic games in 426 CE he had the buildings there destroyed - including the stadium and Zeus' temple. In 522 and 551 there were massive earthquakes that destroyed was hadn't been burned. Today nota single column remains standing and all a visitor can find are fragments and turned over stone.

« Back to Last Page | Photos: Mythology, Religion, Art in Olympia »