Archaeological Site of Olympia

The Archaeological Site of Olympia is one of the most significant historical spots in Greece, where the ancient Olympic Games were born back in 776 BCE. Walking through this vast complex, you can almost hear the cheers of spectators from thousands of years ago when athletes competed for honor and olive wreaths.

The site includes remains of the Temple of Zeus, which once housed one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - a massive gold and ivory statue of Zeus created by the sculptor Phidias. You'll also find the ruins of the stadium, gymnasiums, wrestling schools, baths, and various monuments that once made this place buzzing with activity every four years.

What's fascinating about Olympia is how it connected to Greek politics and religion. The games weren't just sporting events but religious festivals honoring Zeus. During the Olympics, a sacred truce was declared across Greece, allowing athletes and spectators to travel safely to the games. The flame lighting ceremony that happens before modern Olympic Games is still performed here using the sun's rays and a parabolic mirror, continuing a tradition that spans millennia.

The nearby Archaeological Museum of Olympia houses sculptures and artifacts found at the site, including the famous Hermes of Praxiteles statue. Together with the ruins, they tell the story of one of humanity's oldest and most influential sporting traditions.