Olympia, the birthplace of the original Olympic Games, is arguably one of Greece’s most significant archaeological sites. Inhabited since prehistoric times and established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Olympia has been a witness to history since the 10th century B.C.E., offering a unique glimpse into Greece’s ancient civilization.

Ancient Olympia served as a Greek sanctuary dedicated to Zeus, the father of the Olympian Deities. The Hellenic Olympic Games, held in Zeus’s honor, took place there every four years, from 776 BCE until 393 CE. The site encompasses remnants from the Bronze Age through to the Byzantine period.

The Sanctuary of Zeus holds paramount importance, surrounded by numerous structures including athletic facilities for the preparation and celebration of the Olympic Games, administrative and various other secular buildings and monuments. At the heart of the sanctuary lies the Altis, the hallowed precinct, encompassing temples, cult edifices, and treasuries at the site’s center.

Excavations began long ago in the 19th century and continue to this day. Significant findings include sculptures from the Temple of Zeus, the Nike of Paeonius, the Hermes of Praxiteles, and numerous bronzes. In total, 14.000 objects have been cataloged. These findings are displayed in the museum at the archaeological site.

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