Temple of Olympian Zeus | The Colossal Columns of Ancient Athens

Authors

The Shiny Greece Team

The Temple of Olympian Zeus, below the Acropolis of Athens, is a breathtaking site with a deep historical and cultural legacy, showcasing the grandeur of ancient Greek and Roman architecture.

South-East View of the Temple of Olympian Zeus | Photo by: George E. Koronaios, The Temple of Zeus in Athens on 17 February 2019, CC0 1.0

Built over several centuries, this colossal structure highlights the evolution of Greek architectural styles and the influence of various ruling powers, ultimately symbolizing the endurance of Athenian civilization.

Origins & History

Construction of the Temple of Olympian Zeus began in the 6th century BCE under the Athenian tyrant Pisistratus. His ambition to construct a grand monument dedicated to Zeus, the king of the Olympian gods, laid the groundwork for what would eventually become one of the largest temples in the ancient world. However, the project was halted due to financial constraints and political changes, leaving it unfinished for several centuries. A resurgence of interest came in the 2nd century BCE when Hellenistic King Antiochus IV Epiphanes commissioned the Roman architect Cossutius to resume work on the temple. Cossutius adopted the lavish Corinthian order, introducing the ornate column style that we now associate with the temple. This choice set the stage for the temple’s final aesthetic and structural elements, showcasing a shift from the more restrained Doric style to one that reflected the grandeur befitting Zeus.

Column Drum of the Peisistratid Olympieion of the Temple of Olympian Zeus | Photo by: Furius, Column drum, Peisistratid Olympieion 2, CC BY 4.0

Completion & Roman Influence

It was not until 131 CE, under the Roman Emperor Hadrian, that the temple was finally completed. Emperor Hadrian, an admirer of Greek culture, not only finished the structure but also included a statue of Zeus and one of himself, symbolizing both divine and imperial power. Hadrian’s influence reinforced the temple as a symbol of Athenian-Roman unity, bridging Greece’s classical past with its Roman future.

Architectural Significance

The Temple of Olympian Zeus was renowned for its enormous size and intricate architecture. Originally, it boasted 104 Corinthian columns, each standing at approximately 17 meters tall, crafted from fine Pentelic marble. Today, only 15 columns remain standing, with a sixteenth lying on the ground from a collapse due to strong winds in the 19th century. These surviving columns still convey the structure’s massive scale and allow visitors to envision its original majesty.

View of Temple of Olympian Zeus from the Acropolis | Photo by: LBM1948, Atenas, 01, CC BY-SA 4.0

Features & Structures

Visitors to the site are drawn to the Colossal Columns, remnants of the temple’s grand design. The temple was part of a larger sacred precinct that included smaller temples, altars, and other structures that highlighted Athenian religious practices. Close to the temple lies the Arch of Hadrian, a Roman-style triumphal arch marking the transition between ancient and Roman Athens. Additionally, the surrounding area contains remnants of Roman baths, Themistoclean walls, and other significant artifacts that add to the historical richness of the site, allowing visitors to experience a slice of life in ancient Athens and trace the Roman influence in the city’s architecture and culture.

The Zeus Temple Today

Today, the Temple of Olympian Zeus stands as an essential part of Athens’ archaeological landscape. Its towering columns continue to attract tourists, history enthusiasts, and photographers from around the world.

Roman Baths at the Temple of Olympian Zeus | Photo by: George E. Koronaios, Remains of the Roman baths at the archaeological site of the Temple of Olympian Zeus on July 2, 2020, CC0 1.0

The site offers a unique opportunity to connect with Greece’s rich historical and architectural legacy while imagining the temple’s full original splendor against the backdrop of modern Athens. For visitors, the temple is an accessible and popular attraction, with options for guided tours that provide deeper insight into its history. It is particularly breathtaking during the “golden hour,” when the columns are bathed in soft light, creating an ethereal scene that underscores the beauty and timelessness of ancient Greek architecture.

Reflections on Legacy

The Temple of Olympian Zeus is more than an ancient ruin; it embodies the artistic ambition and religious devotion of ancient civilizations. Despite its partial ruin, the temple remains a powerful symbol of Athens’ historical significance, highlighting its enduring cultural and architectural influence. Its location near the Acropolis and other iconic sites in Athens further cements it as a focal point in understanding Greece’s layered history. Visiting the temple allows one to experience a physical connection to the ancient world and offers a rare glimpse into the intersection of Greek and Roman legacies.

Columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus | Photo by: Ava Βabili, Temple of Olympian Zeus Athens Greece 6, CC BY-SA 4.0

For those planning to explore this monumental site, the Temple of Olympian Zeus serves as an awe-inspiring testament to the ingenuity and resilience of ancient societies that shaped Western civilization.