Olympic

flyingmonk

Sep 22

Perched at the western edge of the Peloponnese stands a Doric temple of remarkable antiquity. The temple of Bassae, constructed in the heart of the 5th century BC, is attributed to the brilliant architect Ictinos, renowned as one of the architects behind the Parthenon. Dedicated to Apollo Epikourios, which translates to "Apollo, the Helper," this temple achieved widespread fame for its unparalleled beauty and for its unexpected good condition.

Bassae Temple, Greece

Probably its remote location made the Temple of Apollo Epikourios to miraculously endure centuries of turmoil, escaping the pillaging and destruction that befell many ancient structures. European travelers discovered it only in the 18th century when the expedition led by two archeologists did a lot of work on site but also removed much of its sculptures and significant architectural elements that found their home in the British Museum in London.

Olympia, Greece

Not far from the majestic Bassae Temple, nestled in what is often referred to as the "valley of the gods," lies Ancient Olympia. This place became the most revered sacred site in all of Ancient Greece and the very birthplace of the Olympic Games, the preeminent sporting event of antiquity. It all began in 776 B.C., when people from every corner of the Greek world would gather every four years, setting aside their differences and hostilities, to participate in these games, fostering a true sense of sportsmanship and unity.

Olympia, Greece

Olympia, however, was not a bustling town; it was primarily a sanctuary, its structures devoted to the celebration of the games and the veneration of the gods. At its heart lay The Altis, the sacred precinct, where the focal points of religious worship resided, along with buildings dedicated to the management of the games. Among these, the most illustrious was the Temple of Zeus, having in its middle a magnificent statue made of gold and silver crafted by the famous Athenian sculptor Phidias. It's within this temple that the flame of the modern Olympic torch is kindled, a torch that is carried by athletes worldwide to the destination of the contemporary games.

Olympia, Greece

Adjacent to the Temple of Zeus was the Heraeum, a sanctuary devoted to Hera, Zeus's wife, and renowned as the oldest Doric building known to us. Here, the garlands for victorious athletes were meticulously prepared.

The stadium in Olympia, Greece

Beyond the confines of The Altis, to the east, lay the Stadium and the Hippodrome, where the athletic competitions took place. In front of its gate there is an alley that used to be lined up with statues of Zeus built using funds gathered from the fines imposed on the cheating athletes. On the opposite side there is the classical Palaestra, the training ground for wrestlers, and the Gymnasium, where all participants were required to train for a minimum of one month before competing.