A particular ancient Greek site that has unequivocal importance compared to the other Ancient Greek site is called Olympia.[1] Olympia was created as a sanctuary dedicated to the worship of Zeus. The sanctuary of Olympia is located in the Peloponnese region of southern Greece, between two rivers, the Alpheus and the Kladeos.[2] The sanctuary of Olympia is one of the most important Greek sites due to the very early origin of the sanctuary, the religious and political significance the site had with the ancient Greeks, and the Olympic Games on which we base our Olympic games present day.
The settlement of the area around Olympia is dated back further than five thousand years ago. 2 The extensive history of Olympia and the surrounding area can be seen as a testimony in both the strength and quality of the settlements established during the early period of ancient Greece, specifically the Peloponnese region.[3]
Zeus was not the first deity that was worshipped at the site of Olympia. It is speculated that the Kronian Hill located at the site of Olympia was the first place of worship for a deity named Kronos.[4] Figurines called Votives were found in an ash layer in the innermost sacred area of Olympia, which is called the Altis. The Votives indicate that there was cult-like activity from at least the tenth century BCE.[5]. It is also known that other sacred buildings found around the Kronian hill shows that other deities were also worshipped, such as Gaia, Themis, Aphrodite, and Pelops; however, when western Greek tribes began to move into the Peloponnese, Zues was the main deity that was worshipped.[6]
The first large structure built in Olympia was a temple dedicated to Hera. The temple dedicated to Hera was built around 600 BCE. However, the first Olympiad, or Olympic games, is thought to have begun in 776 BCE. [7]It is interesting to note that even though the Olympic games began before any large structures were built, the games existed. The Peloponnesian War, which dates as early as around 460 BCE[8], could have been a cause of concern for Olympia. Thucydides describes that Athens had intent to use the riches from Olympia to build up a navy in preparation for war.[9]
After the first Olympiad had begun, the sanctuary of Olympia began to turn into a political setting for the competing city-states. [10] All Greek city-states were allowed to compete in the games, as long as the sacred truce was respected. Due to the sacred truce, Olympia became a place where kings and other leaders were able to meet unarmed and talk about politics, trade, and religion. It is also said that very famous people such as Plato and Aristotle came to witness the games. Alexander the Great is said to have even competed in the Olympic games![11]
Even when city-states were at war with one another, none were denied access to Olympia. An example is the Peloponnesian war between Athens and Sparta. Neither states had been denied access to Olympia or the games. [12] Different wars and battles were commemorated at Olympia. Examples are the Persian War, and the battle of Plataea. The battle of Plataea resulted and a colossal sized bronze statue of Zeus to be built, and both Athens and Sparta were honored for their participation in the battle. [13]
The Olympics have had a huge impact on the history of both the ancient and modern world in regards to human competition. The ancient Greeks used the Olympiad as a peaceful competition between city states, although some of the events themselves resulted in the death of an athlete.[14] Eventually the Greeks agreed to a three month peace period in the summer when the games took place, due to so many different groups of people coming to watch the games. By 472 BCE, the games had been split up into five days. [15]The first day was registration, and the athletes took an oath. On the second day, the horse races and pentathlon took place. The third day consisted of track races, and the fourth day consisted of wrestling and boxing. On the last day prizes were given out and celebrations began.[16]
By the peak of the Olympic games in the Classical era, Olympia was a spectacular place. There was a great temple dedicated to Zeus, and many other buildings, baths, and even swimming pools and saunas. [17]Many of the trends that the Greeks set for the games can be seen in modern Olympics as well. For example, all countries that are competing are peaceful towards one another where the Olympics take place. Also, the competitions last over a period of weeks, and there are many different events. There are awards given out for the winners and top performers, and each became well renowned in their country.
The combination of the political, religious, and competitive nature of the Greek people has had such an astounding impact on human interaction, which originated at Olympia. This reinforces the importance of the sanctuary of Olympia, and the positive influence the games had on the peace between city-states, and the rules and regulations that set the standard that is still regarded even in modern times.
Bibliography
Cartwright, Mark. “Olympia.” Ancient.eu. http://www.ancient.eu/Olympia/ (accessed 25
September 2014).
Jarus, Owen. “Olympia: Site of Ancient Olympics.” Livescience.com.
http://www.livescience.com/26654-olympia.html (accessed 25 September 2014).
Roberts, John. Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (Oxford University Press, 2007),
http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780192801463.001.0001/acref-9780192801463-e-1544.
Sandels, V.E.K. “Ancient Olympia Greece.”
http://www.in2greece.com/english/places/historical/mainland/olympia.htm (accessed 25
September 2014).
Thucydides. History of the Peloponnesian War. Trans. Thomas Hobbes. London. 1843. Book 1.
Wikipedia. “First Peloponnesian War.” www.Wikipedia.com.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Peloponnesian_War (accessed 02 October 2014).
World Heritage Centre. “Archaeological Site of Olympia.” Whc.unesco.org.
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/517 (accessed 25 September 2014).
[1] “Olympia.” Mark Cartwright. Ancient.eu. http://www.ancient.eu/Olympia/ (accessed 25 September 2014).
[2] Owen Jarus. “Olympia: Site of Ancient Olympics.” Livescience.com. http://www.livescience.com/26654-olympia.html (accessed 25 September 2014).
[3] World Heritage Centre. “Archaeological Site of Olympia.” Whc.unesco.org. http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/517 (accessed 25 September 2014).
[4] John Roberts. Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World (Oxford University Press, 2007), http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780192801463.001.0001/acref-9780192801463-e-1544.
[5] John Roberts. Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World. Paragraph 1.
[6] “Olympia.” Mark Cartwright. Paragraph 1.
[7] “Olympia.” Mark Cartwright. Paragraph 1-3
[8] Wikipedia. “First Peloponnesian War.” www.Wikipedia.com.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Peloponnesian_War (accessed 02 October 2014).
[9] Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War. 1.121
[10] John Roberts. Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World. Paragraph 2
[11] V.E.K Sandels. “Ancient Olympia Greece.” http://www.in2greece.com/english/places/historical/mainland/olympia.htm (accessed 25 September 2014).
[12] John Roberts. Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World. Paragraph 2
[13] John Roberts. Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World. Paragraph 2
[14] V.E.K. Sandels. “Ancient Olympia Greece.” History, paragraph 1.
[15] V.E.K. Sandels. “Ancient Olympia Greece.” History, paragraph 1-7.
[16] V.E.K. Sandels. “Ancient Olympia Greece.” History, paragraph 1-7.
[17] V.E.K. Sandels. “Ancient Olympia Greece.” History, paragraph 8-10