Temple of Olympian Zeus

The Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens is famous for its stunning Corinthian columns. These columns are also a defining feature of ancient Greek architecture. There were originally 104 columns, out of which 15 remain today. Each of the columns is 17 metres high and has a distinct Corinthian order style. Elaborate designs, including acanthus leaves, also characterise these columns. This design was the work of Roman architect Decimus Cossutius. Under the leadership of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, he used Hellenistic and Roman influences in the design. The upper part of the column resembles a blossoming acanthus plant. The design of the columns is also similar to the artistic vision of the sculptor Callimachus. 

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The temple of Zeus Athens honoured the ancient deities. It played an important role in its era's imperial cult and Panhellenic goals. The Roman Emperor Hadrian completed the temple’s construction in AD 131. Upon its completion, the temple symbolised the fusion of Greek and Roman cultures. It also housed majestic statues of Zeus and Hadrian. This enhanced the close ties between religion and imperial power. It was also similar to Hadrian's vision of Athens as a cultural and political power. You can see his impact in the many statues and writings in the temple. This blend of divine and imperial worship is very significant in the temple's history.

The fallen columns of The Temple of Zeus, Athens, bear silent witness to the ravages of time and nature. One of these columns collapsed during strong winds in 1852. These ruins tell a lot about the age-old construction techniques used in the temple. They also give insights into the historical turmoil the temple has withstood. The temple's history is evident in these fallen structures. They tell the story of the temple’s building materials being stolen during invasions. They also recount the natural disasters that struck it. They also connect the past and present. This makes you think about the temple’s glorious and troubled history.

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The temple of Zeus Athens also holds a fascinating connection to the Stylite monks. These monks are known for their unique ascetic practices. They found isolated shelters on top of pillars. Some of these pillars were a part of the temple. Their presence added a distinctive spiritual dimension to the site. Initially, these columns served as a Byzantine watchtower. Later, they became the home of the Stylite monks. Their choice to stay in such an unconventional place tells much about their isolation and spiritual pursuit. The temple's history gives you a glimpse into the different religious activities that used to take place here. 

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Also known as the Arch of Hadrian, The Gate of Hadrian is a big stone gateway near the Temple of Zeus Olympia in Athens. Built in 132 AD by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, it marks the border between the city and its eastern part. The arch is made of white marble and has three steps at its base. It shows pictures of Roman soldiers and has two inscriptions with Hadrian’s name.

The Themistoclean Wall is an old wall that was constructed in 479 BCE to protect Athens from attacks. The wall stretched 10 miles from Lycabettus Hill to Phaleron Bay. It was made of big stone blocks and was named after its builder, Themistocles. He also helped build the Athenian Navy, which won at the Battle of Salamis. The wall kept Athens safe until 404 BCE when the Spartans broke through during the Peloponnesian War.

The Doric Temple of Apollo Delphinios is an ancient temple at the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens. Built in the late 6th century BC, it is on a terrace with a view of the Ancient Agora. This temple was dedicated to Apollo, who is the god of music and healing. It was an important place for helping the sick and injured and also served as a safe spot during wars. Made from local marble, the outer part of the temple had carvings that show stories from Greek mythology.

The Temple of Kronos and Rhea is a small site near the Temple of Zeus Olympia. This temple was dedicated to Kronos and Rhea, who were the parents of Zeus. Today, only some pillar stumps remain, and they are hidden under a few trees. Even though it is not as grand as the main temple, it is an interesting spot to visit on the temple grounds.

The foundations of the temple of Zeus Athens were laid on an ancient sanctuary dedicated to Zeus. Around 550 BC, tyrant Peisistratus built a temple there, which was later demolished. His sons, Hippias and Hipparchos, began constructing a new temple around 520 BC. The project was abandoned when Hippias was expelled in 510 BC, leaving it unfinished for 336 years. Augustus tried to complete the temple, but it wasn't finished. It was completed during Hadrian's reign in the 2nd century AD, 638 years after it began.

In 124- 125 AD, when Hadrian visited Athens, a massive building program began, completing the temple of Zeus Athens. A marble-paved pavement was constructed around the temple, making it a central focus of the city. Hadrian decorated it with statues of himself, the gods, and Roman provinces. The temple was damaged during the Heruli sack of Athens in 267 AD and was likely not repaired. An earthquake in the 5th century destroyed it, and its materials were used for a nearby basilica.

Over the centuries, the Temple of Olympian Zeus was used for building materials for medieval Athens. By the end of the Byzantine period, only 21 of the original 104 columns remained. In 1759, Turkish governor Mustapha Agha Tzistarakis destroyed one column to use its marble for the Tzistarakis Mosque. Of the 16 columns, 15 are still standing and the 16th is lying on the ground. It fell during a storm in 1852. The chamber and the massive statue it originally held are lost.