Ancient Olympia | Birthplace of the Olympic Games

Plains, mountains and seas shine with thee
like a great white-purple temple. 
And thy pilgrim is running to this here temple
O Ancient Spirit immortal, of every people. 

-K. Palamas, “The Olympic Hymn” (1896)

Ancient Olympia, an iconic location at the western end of the Peloponnese, is an archaeological gem of utmost historical importance. It played an immense role in ancient Greek history and culture as the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Even nowadays, before the start of the Olympic Games, the Olympic flame is lit at Olympia during a spectacular ceremony.

Ancient Olympia Key Facts

Overview

Ancient Olympia, located in the western Peloponnese, was one of the most important cities in Ancient Greece. It was also one of the main religious centers, serving as a place of worship for Zeus and many other Olympian deities, as the name indicates. A site with over 760 buildings and the home of the world-famous Olympic games, Olympia is a site worth visiting today.

Practical travel tips 

Before getting to know the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia, let’s take a look at a few useful travel tips for your convenience.

Getting There

Ancient Olympia is situated approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) from Athens, so it’s safe to say it will be a 3-and-a-half-hour trip by car or bus. However, you can opt for the airport of Kalamata if possible, for a 1-and-a-half hour trip by bus or car.

Accessibility

Ancient Olympia is one of the most accessible archaeological sites in Greece. Though the main entrance has stairs, there is a paved side entrance. There is also a ramp at the entrance of the museum.

Best Time to Visit

As with any open archaeological site in Greece, it’s better to visit Olympia during spring or autumn, as the summer sun can make your visit significantly more difficult.

Duration of Visit

A half-day is sufficient to visit both the archaeological site of Olympia and the museum.

Budgeting

The combined ticket for the museum and the site is reasonable, and should you decide to spend the night at a hotel near Olympia, there are a variety of options ranging from very affordable to luxurious hotels.

Local Amenities

The town of Olympia offers restaurants, ATMs, and a pharmacy to cover all your needs. 

Ancient Olympia in Greek Mythology

Most of the myths about Ancient Olympia revolve around the Olympic Games. It reflects the importance that the Greeks placed on athletic traditions and how they attribute them to divine and heroic narratives. Let’s see some of the myths surrounding the Olympic Games and the town of Ancient Olympia.

Dactyl Heracles

One of the oldest stories about the origins of the Olympic Games in Ancient Olympia revolves around Dactyl Heracles. The Dactyls were an archaic mythical race that originated on Crete. When Zeus was born, Dactyl Heracles and another four dactyls (Epimedes, Idas, Iasius, and Paeonaeus) organized a race in Ancient Olympia in order to entertain him. The winner was crowned with an olive wreath, which became both a symbol of peace and a standard prize for the winners. 

Heracles, son of Zeus

Another myth concerns the other Heracles, the famed son of Zeus. Heracles was burdened with completing twelve labors. One of the labors – a fairly impossible task – was to clean the stables of King Augeas. However, in a turn of events, Augeas decided to not pay Hercules his reward and even banished him from his kingdom. 

Hercules killed Augeas and reinstated Phyleus, Aegean’s son, who took Heracles’ side against his own father. Then, according to Pindar, Heracles founded the Olympic Games in Ancient Olympia, next to the ancient tomb of Pelops.

Oenomaus and Hippodamia

The third and final myth centers on Pelops, the King who gave his name to Peloponnese. It all starts with Oenomaus, the king of Pissa – a town near Ancient Olympia – who had received an oracle predicting his death at the hands of his son-in-law. He had devised a plan to keep his daughter, Hippodamia, from marrying.

Oenomaus would race with a chariot anyone who dared ask for his daughter’s hand in marriage. But Oenomaus had a secret; his horses were a gift, either from Poseidon or Ares, so he would always win. When Hippodamia fell in love with Pelops, naturally Oenomaus challenged him to a race. However, Pelops was also smart: he replaced the pins of Oenomaus’ chariot with wax pins. The wax melted during the race, and the King fell off his chariot and died. 

Pelops rose to the position of king as well as local hero. He would organize chariot races to thank the Gods and also appease them over Oenomaus’ death. These races are said to have inspired the Olympic Games. It is also why Pelops was buried at the site of Ancient Olympia.

Ancient Olympia in Ancient Greek History

Though we will not go into detail about the history of the Olympic Games, Ancient Olympia’s history is closely related to the Games.

The area surrounding Ancient Olympia has been inhabited since approximately 1500 BC and there are indications that a Zeus cult had existed ever since 1000 BC, with some researchers debating a longer history of religious activity. The site has attracted much attention ever since the 8^th century and possibly 776 BC when the first Olympic Games possibly took place.

During the 6^th century, the major buildings were constructed: the Temple of Hera, the Pelopion, the Treasuries, as well as many other secular buildings. The first stadium was likely built around 560 BC, followed by many other arenas that hosted a variety of sports during the sixth century.

The classical period, however, was the golden age of Ancient Olympia. A large number of buildings were constructed during this period, including the Temple of Zeus, the Greek Baths, the Hippodrome, the Metroon, and many others. During the Hellenistic and Roman periods, many new buildings were constructed, including some of the largest, such as the Philippeion and the Leonidaion.

Ancient Olympia was a very important place until the last Olympic Games in 393 AD when the Christian emperor Theodosius banned them because they glorified the ancient gods. Around 426 AD, the Christian emperor Theodosius II destroyed many buildings and banned all pagan festivals, marking the end of an era for Olympia. Thus, the ancient Olympic Games were ended after centuries of glory and unity, a unity which peaked during the Roman period when they were open to all citizens.

Exploring the Location: Ancient Olympia

When visiting Ancient Olympia, you can still see the majority of the important buildings where the ancient Olympic Games were held and the Olympic flame is still lit.

The Altis

The Altis is a quadrangular area that ends at the foothills of Mount Kronos. It housed some of the most significant structures, including the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Zeus, and the Pelopion.

Temple of Hera

The Temple of Hera is the oldest temple in Ancient Olympia and it has been extensively restored. It is one of the most revered temples in all of Greece. In the altar of the temple the Olympic flame is still lit and then carried to all edges of the world.

Temple of Zeus

The temple of Zeus, following the Doric order, was a temple built during the 5^th century. The Temple of Hera was originally designed to house both deities, but the classical period saw the need for two separate temples.

Pelopion

Not many remains of the Pelopion can be found today, but it was once one of Ancient Olympia’s most important sites. It is said to have been King Pelops’ tomb, which later became an altar in Archaic Greece.

Other Important Buildings

Other important buildings on the site include:

• Bouleuterion: The Bouleuterion was the assembly house for all local legislatures.
• Leonidaion: The athletes’ lodging place.
• Metroon: A temple dedicated to one of the mother goddesses, like Rhea, Demeter, or Cybele.
• Nymphaeum: The Nymphaeum was a structure created for water distribution.
• Palaestra: The ground where pali (wrestling) was taught and performed.
• Philippeion: An Ionic tholos with statues of ivory and gold for King Philip and his family. Nowadays, only a few columns remain.
• Prytaneion: The structure where officials and winners used to meet.
• Stadium: the arena where sports like stivos (running) used to take place.
• Treasuries: a series of temples where votive offerings were stored.

Last Thoughts

Ancient Olympia is a site that, despite being over 3,000 years old, is still relevant. It demonstrates the value of pure athletic competition and how, when not monetized, athleticism can be a unifying force. If you get the chance, visit this magnificent archaeological site and contribute to the Olympian legacy.

FAQs about Ancient Olympia

When were the ancient Olympic Games held?

The games were held every four years from 776 BC to 393 AD. Their modern version began in 1896, and the Olympic Games continue to be held today.

What is the best time of year to visit Ancient Olympia?

Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather and smaller crowds.

Are guided tours available at the site?

Yes, guided tours are available and can be booked both on-site and in advance. Major cities such as Athens, Patras, and Kalamata offer guided tours that include transportation to and from Olympia.

Featured Image Credit: Annatsach, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons