OLYMPIA

Ancient Olympia is at the foot of Kronios Hill and on the right bank of Alpheos River, 240km from the campsite. The area is known world wide as the mother site of the Olympic games that started approximately 27 centuries ago. Systematic excavations that were initiated by the Germans brought to light important sights of the area such as the temple of Hera, the temple of Olympian Zeus to whom the Games and the Stadium were dedicated to. There is a museum, where numerous treasures and unique works of art are exhibited, such as the famous Hermes of Praxitelis. The history of Olympia started in the 15th century bC and the official date of the first Olympic games is considered to be the year 776 bC. Since then, the reputation of the altar gradually spread to the entire Greek world. Due to the splendid offerings to the gods, from several great cities of Greece, a great amount of wealth was amassed there. The games continued until 393bC, when Emperor Theodosios abolished them as being extremely pagan.