Fred’n’Sue’s Peregrinations

…… the subject is the light …..

Ancient Olympia – 5 April 2024

We are back – have you missed us – low internet speeds and other excuses!!!
Today was another bus journey, but not so long as some, from the port of Kantakolo(n) to the site of the first Olympic Games in 776BCE – great guide (Babis? – crazy Greek who was very tuned in to the role that Australian and New Zealand troops played in the Battle for Greece in 1941). The tour took in most of the site and we finished with lunch at local olive producer – would have brought some home but for the hassle of carriage and getting it through customs.


Guardian of Olympia
Gymnasium – training hall
The 3 above are remnants of the wrestling arena – the Palaestra
And this too . . .
The workshop of Pheidias and, later a paleochristia basilica (look it up!)
Pheidias was one of the architects of Olympia. Here was constructed the 40m statue of Zeus, all marble and gold – one of the seven wonders of the world
All that remains of the Temple of Zeus – the column is a reconstruction
Once was the Temple of Zeus
This too – the decision was made some time ago not to attempt reconstruction of the Temple
Grand entrance to the stadion
The stadion – running track with starting blocks in the centre of the photo
Here is lit, every 4 years, the Olympic flame . . .
Temple of Hera – long suffering wife of (randy) Zeus
Phillipeon – a monument to self, constructed by Phillip, grandfather of Alexander the Great. He had these built in several locations
Our crazy Greek guide pretending to read an inscription claiming that is was indistinct!!

That’s all for now folks . . .

notefield1976

2 responses to “Ancient Olympia – 5 April 2024”

  1. Jan Avatar
    Jan

    What are the pinky mauve flowering trees. Very pretty???

    Reply
    1. notefield1976 Avatar
      notefield1976

      Cercis or Judas Tree – same as the one on our front drive – blooming all over at the moment – F

      Reply

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