Give appropriate background to the site of Olympia. Where is it? How is the site controlled as the venue for one of the Crown Games? (Think: who controls Olympia?) When did religious activities start at the site—and what did that entail? Are there important myths that are connected to the site that add to its history?
Explore the site, with a brief overview of important elements that illustrate that this is not only a religious sanctuary—but also a site for athletic competitions. Choose at least three of the following structures to describe and briefly explain their cultural and historical significance at the site of Olympia:
Temple of Hera
Temple of Zeus and its architectural decoration
Stadium
Treasuries
Bouleuterion
Leonidaion
Nymphaeum of Herodes Atticus and Regilla
When concluding your paper, consider thinking about: why is Olympia, the site and the games that occurred there, so important for Greek society and culture?
Copy textV
Sample Solution
The site of Olympia is located in the western Peloponnese region of Greece. It was an important religious and political centre in Ancient Greece, associated with many important myths and gods, including Zeus and Hera. The site has been controlled by various rulers throughout its history – from the Mycenaeans to the Romans – however since 8th century BC it has been a sanctuary for the worship of Zeus.
Religious activities at Olympia are thought to have started as early as 1000BC when animal sacrifice was common practice at festivals celebrated here in honour of Zeus. These rituals evolved over time into grandiose public celebrations such as the Olympic Games which began in 776BC and were held every four years until 393AD (when they were banned by Christian Byzantine Emperor Theodosius).
Sample Solution
The site of Olympia is located in the western Peloponnese region of Greece. It was an important religious and political centre in Ancient Greece, associated with many important myths and gods, including Zeus and Hera. The site has been controlled by various rulers throughout its history – from the Mycenaeans to the Romans – however since 8th century BC it has been a sanctuary for the worship of Zeus.
Religious activities at Olympia are thought to have started as early as 1000BC when animal sacrifice was common practice at festivals celebrated here in honour of Zeus. These rituals evolved over time into grandiose public celebrations such as the Olympic Games which began in 776BC and were held every four years until 393AD (when they were banned by Christian Byzantine Emperor Theodosius).
