Temple of Olympian Zeus

The Temple of Olympian Zeus, also known as the Olympieion, is one of the most imposing temples of antiquity, located in the heart of Athens. Its construction began in the 6th century BC under the tyrant Pisistratus, but the work was abandoned when his son Hippias was exiled in 510 BC. After several failed attempts over the centuries, it was the Roman emperor Hadrian who finally completed the temple in 131 AD, about 650 years after the start of the work. The temple was originally conceived as an imposing Doric building, but the project was transformed into a Corinthian style under Hadrian’s supervision. This change reflected Roman influence and Hadrian’s desire to link his figure to the grandeur of Greek culture. The completed temple measured 110 meters in length and 44 meters in width, with 104 Corinthian columns standing 17 meters high surrounding a central cella. Inside, colossal statues of Zeus and Hadrian himself stood, made of gold and ivory. The site on which the temple stands has a history that predates the time of Pisistratus. An ancient outdoor sanctuary dedicated to Zeus already existed on the site, a sign of the long tradition of worship associated with this deity in the region. During the classical period, the temple project was left unfinished, as the Greeks of the time considered it undemocratic to build monuments of such grandeur, seeing them as symbols of tyranny and oppression. The temple completed by Hadrian became a symbol of the power and grandeur of Rome, as well as its cultural influence on Greece. Hadrian himself, known for his philanthropy and admiration for Greek culture, significantly contributed to the public life of Athens, establishing numerous public buildings and improving urban infrastructure. His image and presence in the temple emphasized his position as a patron and enlightened ruler. However, the glory of the Temple of Olympian Zeus was short-lived. By the 3rd century AD, the temple fell into disuse following barbarian invasions that struck the region. Over the centuries, the temple was looted and many of its materials were reused for other construction projects. During the Middle Ages, much of its structures were dismantled and reused, leaving only a few columns standing. Today, only 15 columns of the original majestic temple remain, standing as a testament to its past grandeur. A sixteenth column, which fell in 1852 due to a storm, still lies on the site, offering an idea of the scale and precision with which these structures were built. The site is an important tourist attraction, located near the famous Arch of Hadrian, a monument that marks the boundary between the ancient and Roman city. A visit to the Temple of Olympian Zeus offers not only an imposing visual experience, but also a journey through the complex and layered history of Athens. Its construction, long period of abandonment, and subsequent redevelopment are a reflection of the city’s cultural resilience and its continuous adaptation through the ages. The site is also surrounded by other important archaeological remains, such as the remains of the ancient walls of Themistocles and the Temple of Apollo Delphinios, which further enrich the visitor’s experience. An interesting anecdote concerns the use of the temple’s columns by the Roman dictator Sulla in the 1st century BC. During a military campaign, Sulla looted the site and transported some of the columns to Rome, where they were used in the construction of the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus, a symbol of his victory and power.