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© 2012 MCT

Theokoleon Housed priests of Olympia

Workshop of Pheidias

Philippeion Contains five statuesof Alexander the Great; named for hisfather, Philip II, who began construction

Leonidation Guest house for officials

Palaestra Wrestling school wherewrestlers, boxers, jumpers trained andcompeted

• Site of opening ceremonies 

• Accommodations for officials 

• Wrestling, boxing venues 

Bouleuterion Three adjoining buildings;contained Altar of Zeus Horkios, on whichathletes swore oath before games

Heraion Temple of Hera, wife of Zeus

Altis Sacred grove

Roman hotel

Gymnasion Spacious centercourt; used for training

Pyrtaneion Sanctuary officials’headquarters; housed sacred hearthwith its eternal flame; official guests,game winners entertained here

• Olympic torch, cauldron 

• Olympic Village training facilities 

Swimming pool

Baths

The modern Olympic Games have their roots in the ancient ones, which can be traced to 776 B.C. The games were held every four years for nearly 12 centuries in Greece’s oldest spiritual center – Olympia.

OlympiaBirthplace of the Olympics

Temple of Zeus Held gigantic figureof Zeus holding Nike (Victory),sculpted by Pheidias; one of sevenwonders of ancient world

Metroon Templeof Cybele, mother of gods

Exedra of the HellanodikaiJudges’ platform

Nymphaion Pool with two smalltemples; Roman aqueduct emptiedinto itProcessional way Priests,

officials, athletes, theHellanodikai (judges) precededalong west wall of Altis to theTemple of Zeus to start games

• March of athletes at opening ceremonies 

Treasuries Small temples; housedmonetary tribute from Greekcity-states to Olympia’s gods, priests

Pelopion Shrine of Pelops, kingof Peloponnese and founder of games,according to Greek myth

Great Altar of Zeus Siteof sacrifices to Zeus, father of gods

• Olympic sponsors 

Stadium Competition site;renovated three times;could seat 20,000

Altar of Demetra Goddess of fertility;priestess of Demetra given honoredseat next to altar

Hippodrome Horse, chariot races

• Equestrian center 

Stoa (colonnade) of Echo Namedbecause sounds echoed in it

South Stoa (colonnade)Statue of Nike,Greek goddessof victory, stoodatop 30-ft. (9-m)pedestal in frontof the entranceto Templeof Zeus

Symbolized victory in many areas of Greek life,including sports 

• Modern equi valent 

Source: Athens 2004 Organizing Committee, “The Olympic Games in Ancient Greece,” edited by Maria Koursi, “Olympia”by Manolis Andronicos, “Olympia: Guide to the Museum and Sanctuary” by A. and N. Yalouris Graphic: Pat Carr, Lee Hulteng

Artist’s conception, looking south, of the ancient sanctuary as it mayhave appeared around 300 AD; visitors can see only ruins

Pedestalof the Nikeof Paeonius

Remainsof pedestal

today

G R E E C E

TURKEY

Ionian Sea 

Athens

Aegean Sea 

ALBANIA

AncientOlympia