|
|
|
Olympia was a very busy place. There were groups of high school students, cruise ship tours groups and people like us, everywhere. I can see why they all wanted to come here, the site of the first Olympics!
Our local guide herded us through the crowds into the Olympia Archaeological Museum . Wow, there was so much to see. This is another museum I would like to come back to. |
|
We had nice weather when we got outside. Here we are standing in front of the area where the wrestlers trained. Our guide told us that there was an olympics for men and one for women. The men perfomed naked and women were not allowed to attend or watch the games. The women performed with one breast showing and men were allowed to judge and watch the women.
Cheating was a serious offense and if you were caught a statue of you was put up with your name and your city state. I guess before the internet and mass media they needed a way all Greeks would know about the cheater. There were also monuments built to the winners of course.
|
|
|
|
This is what remains of one of the structures. I think it is part of the temple of Hera. It is one of the oldest temples in Greece. The Olympics were considered a Pagan festival. The Christians did not approve of the games and they were banned by Theodosius I in A.D. 393. They were not played again until 1896 in Athens.
|
|
 |
The temple of Zeus was built in the Doric Style in the 5th century B.C. .The scultor Pheidias was responsible for this incredible statue. Phedias also designed the large statue of Athena that used to be in the Partheon at the Athens Acropolis. I wish we could still see these statues in all their massive greatness today. That would be cool! |
 |
|
Zeus is the God that the olympic games were dedicated too. This place was called Olympia because the Gods lived at Mount Olympus which are the surrounding mountains of this area.
There was a massive 40 ft gold and ivory statue of a seated Zeus at the temple. This statue is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
It really was a nice day when we were here. You can't tell from this picture, but signs of the recent fire could be seen. The Olympic games site was a high priortiy to protect when the fires blazed through this region.
|
|
|
Entering the Olympic stadium was a pinch me I can't believe I'm here moment. Pictured on the upper left are Bruce and Kim racing to the finish line. Our local guide warned us we could not run naked like the ancient greek olympians or we would be arrested by the museum cops. As she was saying this, I heard the sound of unzipping and looked over to see Bruce stripping down to his running shorts. Funny! It was a thrill to be at the Olympic stadium. There were never any seats here, just grass. People sat on the ground. I think our guide said it could seat up to 40,000 spectators. I was in cross country and track in high school and always wanted to see this stadium.
Being a runner, I thought this was cool, A sprint race was the first event held here back in 776 B.C.
|
|
|
|
|
|
