Temple of Zeus

The magnificent Temple of Zeus was erected at a prominent spot in Altea, at the heart of the sanctuary of Olympia, and stood out for the scale of its construction, its sculptural decoration of astonishing artistry, and the colossal statue of the god in whose honour the Olympic Games were held.

It was a dedication by the people of Elis to Zeus and took around twenty years to complete, from 470 to 456 BC. It is the work of the Elean architect Libon and belongs to the Doric order, for which it is in fact considered the standard, that is, the model.