Ancient Olympia was the most glorious sanctuary of ancient Greece and the largest religious center of the ancient world. It was dedicated to Zeus and was the venue of the Olympic Games.
At that time it was called Alti which meant Holy Grove.
There for 1,000 years was the ivory statue of Zeus, which was 12 meters high and was one of the seven wonders of the world.
The buildings of religious and secular character were gradually erected. Until the 2nd century BC. took the form we know today. During the Roman period, many of its buildings were completed and restored.
In 776 BC. the Spartan Lycurgus reached an agreement with the king of Elis that the Olympic Games be held there and during them there should always be a truce throughout Greece.
The Olympic Games there began in the same year and took place every four years until 393 BC. that is, when they were banned because they were considered pagan and anti-Christian.
It became a well-known place around the world for this and many philosophers and politicians went there to spread their ideas to a large audience. It was then that visitor accommodation was built.
Its most important buildings were,
• Temple of Zeus
• Temple of Hera
• Bouleuterion
• Rectorate
• Stage
• High school
• Palestra
• Leonideo
• Workshop of Pheidias
• Philippi
• Echo Gallery
• Mitroon
• Pelopio
• Nymphaeum
• Baths
• Treasures
• Hippodrome
[Source: el.wikipedia.org]
