SEE OLYMPIA : the ancient site, the museum but see the rest.

Table of Contents:
SEE ANCIENT OLYMPIA.
THE MUSEUM
SEE FURTHER AWAY.

Come, see Olympia.

The site is first a sanctuary. Later it becomes a place hosting athletic games. Even later, a town by the same name pops up.

City states would use the games to promote their cities and their politics. — The ancient Olympics were more a political rally with games than what we think of today.

But the real claim to fame is the archeological site of the ancient Olympic games.

The games date back to circa 600 B.C. They will last until 393 A.D. Not a bad run.

See Olympia and take a walk back in ancient times.

(BACK TO TOP)

See Olympia

Fortunately, Olympia was one site the Germans did not level with bombing practice. Perhaps due to them hosting the Olympics in Berlin in 1936, they had some appreciation.

You can feel like you are in a sanctuary, which is what this area was. — Olympia early morning before the hundreds of buses arrive.

The courtyard was full of sand. No mats in those days. — The Palaestra was for boxing and wrestling.

Everyone wants to see Olympia and Hera's temple. Possibly because it has more columns still standing. — Temple of Hera.

Unfortunately, we will never know if nature or Christians brought down this great temple. The gold and ivory statue are long gone. — The Temple of Zeus was the center of the sanctuary.

Inside were statues of King Phillip II and his family. — The Philippeion is a circular memorial.

If you can, take the time to see Olympia. There is incredible detail. — The detail on the Nymphaion.

People see Olympia too quickly. Some skip the museum. Both are mistakes. — An inscription from the Temple of Zeus.

You can see Olympia was able to hold large numbers of spectators. — The arch covers the passage from the sanctuary to the stadium.

The sides were never seats. They were hills allowing people to see over the ones in front of them. — The size of the people will give you some depth perception of the length of the stadium. More than 650 feet long.

When you see Olympia, you will be amazed at the size of several structures. — The gymnasium was more a place for athletes to practice than a site for spectators.

To see Olympia in its heyday must have been overwhelming to some. — Remains of the gym complex indicate the detail of the construction.

If your schedule allows, plan to spend some time here. Explore, don’t let somebody herd you through. If you can arrange a professional guide (NOT the ones at the gate,) they can really bring the site alive.

(BACK TO TOP)

The Museum

Yes, the Archaeological Site of Olympia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but there are other things worth seeing in the area. For instance, the museum.