We will journey back to ancient Greece and explore one of the most magnificent art pieces from that era: the Statue of Zeus at Olympia.
This incredible work of art was once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World for a good reason. Standing over 40 feet tall, the statue was a towering symbol of the power and might of the Greek gods.
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Who was Zeus?
He was the god of gods, associated with lightning and thunder.
Zeus was born to Cronus and Rhea, the titans in Greek mythology, the children of Uranus, the sky, and Gaia, the earth. Feared that one of his children would overthrow him, Cronus swallowed all of his offspring as soon as they were born. But Rhea managed to trick Cronus and hid Zeus on the island of Crete in Greece.
Who were the Gods of Olympus?
When Zeus grew up, he came back and challenged his father. In a fierce battle, Zeus defeated Cronus and freed his siblings from his stomach. Zeus shared his power and strength with his siblings. He gave the kingdom of the underworld to Hades and made Poseidon the ruler of the sea and waters. He entrusted Demeter with harvest and agriculture, Hera with marriage, family, and childbirth, and Hestia with heart, home, and hospitality. Together, Zeus and his siblings became the rulers of the universe. These were the Gods of Olympus.
History of the Statue of Zeus
We’ve talked about the history of the Statue of Zeus. Yet, we should remind you that you can find more on Piri Guide mobile app. Piri Guide detects your location, offers you the best travel routes, and starts telling you the hidden stories of wherever you are. All you have to do is to get your headphones or earbuds and follow the path at your own pace. Then, don’t set out for your trip before downloading the digital travel guide! 😊
The Construction
In the 5th century BC, the sanctuary of Olympia experienced a period of great prosperity. The temple was built during this time and was dedicated to Zeus, the king of the gods in Greek mythology. It was on the site of an earlier temple that had been destroyed by fire and was designed to be one of Greece’s most impressive temples.
The temple’s pediments had magnificent sculptures. On the east side, there was a depiction of the mythical chariot race between two powerful kings of Pisa: Pelops and Oinomaos. The western pediment showed a battle scene with centaurs, creatures from Greek mythology with the upper body of a human and the lower body and legs of a horse, with the majestic central figure of Apollo.
Ruins of the Statue
It’s truly amazing to think about the craftsmanship and dedication that went into creating such an incredible structure. As you explore the ruins of the Temple of Olympia, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and grandeur of this ancient temple and the fantastic works of art that adorned its walls. Today, the Temple of Zeus is in ruins, but the remains of the building, as well as the statue of Zeus, continue to inspire astonishment and wonder in visitors.
If you are curious about another wonder of the ancient world, check out Mausoleum at Halicarnassus!
