Athens is famous for its vast number of ancient landmarks and monuments. Among them is the Temple of Zeus Olympian (Olympeion), which is the largest in Greece. The structure is located in the centre of Athens and impresses visitors with its splendour.
History of creation
The beginning of construction dates back to the sixth century BC, and the last works were carried out already in the second century AD. Such a long period of construction of the sanctuary is associated, first of all, with the overthrow of the Greek political regime and various complex historical events. Specialists distinguish such periods of construction as:
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initial;
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intermediate;
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final.
The first project of the temple of Zeus Olympian was centred on the Doric style and designed according to the examples of similar buildings in Asia Minor. The foundations were laid by the famous tyrant ruler Pisistratus in 515 BC. After the ruler's death, Greece came under the rule of his son named Hippias, who was soon deposed from the throne.
The country quickly established a democratic regime, under the influence of which the concept of building changed. For a democratic society such a luxurious temple was unacceptable and was perceived as a symbol of tyranny. Therefore, the construction work was temporarily suspended.
The middle phase of construction began in the Hellenistic period (174 BC), when King Antiochus IV Epiphanes ordered the rebuilding of the temple. The project was led by a talented architect from Rome Kossuthios. He slightly modified the old design and increased the number of columns to 105 pieces. However, construction came to an abrupt halt again due to the death of Antiochus.
The final stage of the construction of the legendary temple began during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, when he visited Athens in 130. In doing so, the masters fully preserved the design of Kossuthius, leaving some of the old columns in the sanctuary structure..
Architectural features
The Temple of Zeus is striking in its scale, impressive even for the architecture of the ancient Greeks. The perimeter of the sanctuary is 110 metres long and 44 metres wide. The long side of the construction is framed by columns in two rows of twenty pieces. The narrow part of the perimeter was formed by columns in three rows of eight pieces.
The style of the temple columns is characterised by laconism and restraint. Pentelius marble was used as a material for construction. The length of the column is 18 metres and its diameter is almost three metres. The weight of each column reaches about 365 tonnes.
The capitals crowning the columns are an example of classical Greek art. Each capitol is made up of minute details that give the ornamentation a special volume and charm.
Around the temple, a courtyard was landscaped, around the perimeter of which were placed the monuments-busts dedicated to the Emperor Hadrian, who completed the construction.
The pediments of the structure were decorated with various sculptures, most of which were busts of famous Greeks. As a rule, such statues were presented to the temple as a gift by wealthy citizens and representatives of the authorities.
Statue of Zeus
The nave of the shrine was decorated with a giant statue of Zeus made of ivory. The monument has not survived, but historians and archaeologists have managed to reconstruct its appearance from ancient documents. It is believed that the statue was created in Olympia by a legendary master of the ancient world named Phidias..
Phidias' amazing work became quickly known outside of Hellas and Athens. The sculpture was located at the very centre. In the hands of the seated thunderer could be seen miniature sculptures:.
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of the goddess Niki;
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scepter.
Nika symbolised the victory of the deity, and the sceptre was the traditional symbol of Zeus' omnipotence. Separately it is worth noting the high level of skill with which all the details of the statue were executed. On the face of the thunderer was carved every wrinkle, and in the veins, it seemed, is about to start bubbling blood..
As a material sculptor used not only ivory, but also elements of wood and gold. The combination of noble wood, gold and white ivory gave the monument a special beauty.
The sculptor also used elements of wood and gold.
Copy of the statue of Zeus in the Hermitage. Photo: takazart. Source: Pixabay
Fate of the temple
Not much of the splendour of the temple has survived to this day. Only a few columns remind of its former grandeur, as the structure was repeatedly subjected to destruction. The first occurred in the third century AD in Athens, when the city was invaded by ancient Germanic tribes called Gerulas, who destroyed all the buildings on their way.
After the pagan cult was banned in Greece, the temple naturally fell into disrepair. For several centuries it was looted, the building material was scattered to different parts of the city, and its sacred significance faded.
The temple's sacred significance faded.
During the Ottoman occupation, a mosque was located on the territory of the dilapidated temple, for the construction of which the Turkish commander-in-chief Cizdarakis ordered to blow up one of the columns of the temple in order to use the stone in the construction. Only 16 columns have survived to this day, one of which was felled in 1852 during a serious hurricane.
Visiting Rules
The Temple of Zeus Olympian is one of the most popular open-air museums in Athens. Before visiting the attraction, it is worth going to the official website and familiarising yourself with the basic rules.
In summertime, the temple is open from eight in the morning to eight in the evening. However, it is better to go there before noon or after due to high air temperature. You can buy a ticket directly from the ticket office or from the museum's website. An adult ticket will cost 8 euros and a child's ticket will cost 4 euros. In addition, there are discounts for pensioners and students.
You can also buy a complex ticket for 30 euros, which allows you to visit several historical sites in addition to the temple at once, for example, the famous Acropolis. Such a ticket is suitable for those who have limited time and want to see as many interesting places in Athens as possible.
