#AtoZChallenge: “O” is for OLYMPIA

28 Comments#AtoZChallenge 2014, History, Travel, Writing/Blogging

Ancient Olympia

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#AtoZChallenge "O" is for Olympia, The Doglady's Den
Day 15: April 17

Touring Greece was the most memorable trip of my life, so far.  One incredible location after another; a history buff’s dream come true! ♥

Here we were, at the site of the Ancient Olympics;  another one of those “pinch me” moments!  

The Olympics began in 776 BC and, just like the modern version, were held every four years, until Emperor Theodosius I ended them in 394 AD.

ancient olympia
1: North-East Propylon– 2: Prytaneion – 3: Philippeion – 4: Temple of Hera – 5: Pelopion – 6: Nymphaeum (Shrine with fountain) of Herodes Atticus – 7: Metroon – 8: Treasuries – 9:Vaulted tunnel with Statue Row, leading into the stadium) – 10: Stadium – 11: Echo Portico (aka Heptaechos) – 12: Building of Ptolemy II and Arsinoe II – 13: Hestia stoa – 14: Hellenistic Buildings – 15: Temple of Zeus – 16: Altar of Zeus – 17: Ex-voto of Achaeans – 18: Ex-voto of Mikythos – 19: Nike of Paeonius – 20: Gymnasion – 21: Palaestra – 22: Theokoleon – 23: Heroon – 24: Phidias’ workshop and paleochristian basilica – 25: Baths of Kladeos – 26: Greek baths – 27 and 28: Hostels – 29: Leonidaion – 30: South baths – 31: Bouleuterion, (Council House) – 32: South stoa – 33: Villa of Nero
Treasuries: I-XIII

As you can see by the map, it’s a sprawling site with many points of interest.
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At this point, we doubled back towards the entrance.

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After spending all morning at the site, we took a tour of the Olympia Museum.

A few highlights:

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Slideshow photos ©DDB

Can’t you just picture the athletes in all their glory?

discus thrower
[Photo Credit]

 Looking forward to your comments! 

atozbanner 2014

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28 thoughts on “#AtoZChallenge: “O” is for OLYMPIA

    1. Glad you enjoyed this, Millie. It was incredible to be standing on the very spot where those athletes competed centuries ago!

  1. Thanks for this reminder of how ancient our Olympic traditions are. They were such a civilized and barbaric society (kind of like today, I guess!). This was the first winter, watching the Olympics, that I wondered if their time had passed. The glow, magic, awe, – whatever made those struggles to reach that pinnacle worthwhile – I just didn’t feel it. Is it just me or has the over-exposure and availability of seeing so many other competitions made the Olympics slightly worn?

    1. You could be right about that Sammy. What bothers me too about today’s Olympics, is that they allow pro athletes to compete in team sports (although I’m right in there, cheering on my favourites). Isn’t this supposed to be about amateur athletics?

  2. So happy you enjoyed traveling in Greece:-) Thanks for taking me back to Olympia – truly a great place to vision history coming alive:-)

    1. I loved the whole tour of Greece and want to go back, because there’s so much more to explore! Glad you enjoyed the post, Eli. 🙂

  3. Lovely photo essay! Greece is definitely on my travel bucket list. Glad you enjoyed your trip. Did they say when/why they quit competing in the nude for the Olympics? That would really freak people out these days!~Tui Snider~ I\’m dropping by from today\’s #AZchat on Twitter!

    1. Welcome to The Den, Tui. 🙂 The Ancient Olympic Games were abolished by order of the Roman emperor Theodosius II. He was a Christian and considered the Olympics to be Pagan rituals.

  4. It’s amazing to see these photos and realize just how long athletes have been competing in the Olympics. What an incredible experience to see Olympia!

    1. Must have been so exciting going to see those ancient Olympic sites at Olympia, Debbie. So interesting. I’d love to see them, too. Thanks for the virtual tour!

    2. If your mean Mount Olympus, from Eli’s post, that’s over 500 km northeast of Ancient Olympia. Glad you enjoyed this, anyway. 🙂

  5. You and Eli are seriously long lost sisters I guess. She wrote about olympia too! Loved the post.. felt like a virtual tour!

  6. Wow just coming from a description of Olympus and now this… travel bug ahoy !!

    PhenoMenon