Olympia, Peloponnes

Olympia, Peloponnesus – The birthplace of the Olympic Games

The former antique cultural centre of Greece, Olympia, was a true sanctum. In the region of Elis which is situated in a western part of the peninsula Peloponnesus in the Greek mythology the gods already carried out their competitions among themselves. In the midst of this holy place of course you will find no holiday apartments, summer cottages and hotels, however, these are located in the surrounding municipalities.

In Olympia the Greeks built immense temple arrangements for the god's father Zeus and the goddess Hera. At this time one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Zeus's statue, was built which consisted of gold and ivory. Already 800 years of B.C. people should have created the mind of the Olympic Games at this place.

Today it can be proved even in written records that in the year 776 B.C. the first provable games have taken place. The end of these sporty holdings which have taken place as well as even today, all 4 years came with the ban in the year 394 by emperor Theodosius.

At that time the fanatical Christians held the holding of the Olympic Games for a pagan party and this unique site was laid waste burnt down by them. After that two earthquakes caused for the final setting.

Thanks to many archaeological excavations today the visitors of the surrounding holiday apartments, flats and hotels can admire this historically significant place again and nose a little Olympic air.

picture source: © Bildpixel / pixelio.de

 

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