Site of Olympia

Question 1

Alter of Zeus

Answer 1

Stone base + huge pile ashes accumulated from sacrifices to Zeus (100 oxen)

Question 2

Temple of Zeus

Answer 2

Housed world famous gold and ivory statue of Zeus holding figure of Victory by the Athenian Phiedias (Parthenon sculptor), decorated with images of Peplos’ chariot race and labours of Heracles

Question 3

Sacred olive tree

Answer 3

Olympic crowns made from this

Question 4

Pelopion

Answer 4

Shrine of Pelops - whose funeral rites originated the games

Question 5

Temple of Hera

Answer 5

• Oldest building
• smaller than than the temple of Zeus
• women’s games in her honour
• housed table where olive victory crowns were laid out

Question 6

Prytaneion

Answer 6

Square administrative centre for festival near temple of Hera - big banquet there and Olympic victors had free meals

Question 7

Bouleuterion

Answer 7

Council house in a B shape where oath was sworn before statue of Zeus

Question 8

Leonidaion

Answer 8

Largest building (other than gymnasium) - hotel for visiting officials and VIP’s

Question 9

Echo colonnade

Answer 9

Contests for heralds and trumpeters held here

Question 10

Treasuries

Answer 10

Used to store valuables, offerings, money supply - each big state had one

Question 11

Stadium

Answer 11

Held all events except equestrian and combat

Question 12

Zanes

Answer 12

Small statues of Zeus - payed for by fines - reminder to athletes not to cheat on way to stadium

Question 13

Gymnasium

Answer 13

Training - indoor practice track exact length of stadium

Question 14

Palaestra

Answer 14

Combat events and training for combat and jumping

Question 15

Hippodrome

Answer 15

Equestrian events

Question 16

Altis

Answer 16

Sacred/religious area

Question 17

Site layout - religous

Answer 17

• Altis at the centre of the site surrounded by wall - all buildings inside it are religous
• large temple to zeus
• older and much revered temple to Hera
• races in stadium finish with athletes running towards Altis