Temple of Zeus in AthensIf you have a flight to Athens or plan holiday travel to this ancient city, make sure you see the famous Temple of Zeus Olympia situated near the Acropolis. This is the largest ancient temple in Greece and is a must-see on your travel itinerary if you holiday in the country. |
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Temple of Zeus in Athens
Construction of the Olympieion sanctuary surrounding the Temple of Zeus began in 515BC under order of Peisistratos the Younger, apparently so he could keep the Athens population too busy to plot a revolt. However, the intended monument to the cult of Zeus wasn't finished because democracy flourished in Athens and the reigning tyranny was overthrown. In 174BC, Syrian king Antiochos IV Epiphanes resumed construction. Nevertheless, the temple wasn't completed until 125AD under the reign of Roman emperor Hadrian. An enormous gold and ivory statue of Zeus stood inside the temple. It was written that "it is the only temple on earth of a size adequate to the greatness of the god". The temple was excavated in the late 19th Century and there have been intermittent archaeological investigations and restorations since then. The 16 Corinthian columns pictured above are all that remain of the original 104 columns, each about 17 metres tall. If your holiday travel through Athens includes trips to ancient sites, you'll find your visit to the Temple of Zeus is conveniently close to other historic Greek monuments such as Adrian's Arch and Panathinaiko Stadium, originally built in the fourth century BC, rediscovered in 1870 and restored to become the athletics stadium for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. To book airline tickets, hotels, car rentals, etc. in Greece, visit our Travel Shop. |
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