First inhabited in the second millennium BCE, Olympia is located in the western Peloponnese. Lying between Elis and Bassae, it is on the coast with the Arctic being its closest ocean. It is ten miles inland from the Ionian Sea near a point where the Alfios and Kladeos rivers meet. Sitting right at the edge of the Kronian hill, it stretches for miles filled with intricate temples. With each city-state having its own characteristics, Olympia is one of the most unique.
In the Alfios valley lies the beautiful sanctuary dedicated to Zeus, the father of gods. Filled with lush green landscape, lies miles of temples and stone carved statues standing proudly. Due to the legend of the “all mighty and powerful Zeus”, Pan-Hellenic games were and still are held every four years in his honor called the Olympic Games. The first ancient Olympic Games can be traced back to 776 BC. Aiming to show the physical qualities of men, the games evolved from having one event (the original stadion footrace) to holding 18 events. The victors were crowned with olive leaves along with an olive branch cut from a sacred grove, but most importantly …show more content…
Due to the legend of Zeus the all mighty powerful, Pan-Hellenic Games were held every four years in his honor (The Games). The first ancient Olympic Games can be traced back to 776 BC (History of Ancient Olympia), closely linking to the religious festivals of the cult of Zeus. Aiming to show the physical qualities of men, the games evolved from having one event (the original stadion footrace) to having 18 events (Summer Games). The victors won crowns of olive leaves and an olive branch cut from the sacred grove, but most importantly they won glory, fame, and in a very real sense historical immortality. Women also took part in the Heraia Games, held every four years in honour of the goddess, Hera. These games were not as important as the Olympiads
In the Alfios valley lies the beautiful sanctuary dedicated to Zeus, the father of gods. Filled with lush green landscape, lies miles of temples and stone carved statues standing proudly. Due to the legend of the “all mighty and powerful Zeus”, Pan-Hellenic games were and still are held every four years in his honor called the Olympic Games. The first ancient Olympic Games can be traced back to 776 BC. Aiming to show the physical qualities of men, the games evolved from having one event (the original stadion footrace) to holding 18 events. The victors were crowned with olive leaves along with an olive branch cut from a sacred grove, but most importantly …show more content…
Due to the legend of Zeus the all mighty powerful, Pan-Hellenic Games were held every four years in his honor (The Games). The first ancient Olympic Games can be traced back to 776 BC (History of Ancient Olympia), closely linking to the religious festivals of the cult of Zeus. Aiming to show the physical qualities of men, the games evolved from having one event (the original stadion footrace) to having 18 events (Summer Games). The victors won crowns of olive leaves and an olive branch cut from the sacred grove, but most importantly they won glory, fame, and in a very real sense historical immortality. Women also took part in the Heraia Games, held every four years in honour of the goddess, Hera. These games were not as important as the Olympiads