Why were the Olympics held at Olympia?
: Why were the Olympics held at Olympia? Over time, the Games flourished, and Olympia became a central site for the worship of Zeus. Individuals and communities donated buildings, statues, altars and other dedications to the god. Olympia, Palaestra: Eastern portico from N Photograph by Michael Bennett The Temple of Zeus at Olympia: Then & Now: The Temple of Zeus at Olympia: Then & Now THEN: A model of the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, Greece NOW: The Temple of Zeus at Olympia, which housed the magnificent gold and ivory statue of Zeus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Why were the Olympics held at Olympia? : Why were the Olympics held at Olympia? Olympia was one of the oldest religious centers in the ancient Greek world. Since athletic contests were one way that the ancient Greeks honored their gods, it was logical to hold a recurring athletic competition at the site of a major temple. Olympia,Temple of Zeus: Interior of cella from N Photograph by Michael Bennett Original Pu
