Ancient City Athen (Αθήνα)-Temple of Olympian Zeus

The origins of the Olympieion date back to the 6th century BC, when a colossal temple construction began under the tyranny of Peisistratos and his sons. However, it remained unfinished after the fall of the tyrants, and parts of the building materials were reused for other important structures such as the Wall of Themistocles and the predecessor of the Parthenon. It was not until the 2nd century BC that the Seleucid king Antiochus IV resumed construction, commissioning the Roman architect Cossutius. This attempt also ended with the king's death, and the temple once again remained unfinished. After Sulla conquered Athens in 86 BC, even columns were transported to Rome. The Olympieion finally saw its completion and dedication around 131/132 AD under the Roman Emperor Hadrian, a great admirer of Greek culture. The exact destruction of the temple is unknown but is attributed to a medieval earthquake, after which the ruins served as a quarry. Archaeological excavations began in 1889.

The Olympieion is located in Athens, in the Attica region, Greece, at an elevation of approximately 74 m above sea level.

Today, the remains of the ancient Olympieion are accessible to visitors and can be explored, offering an insight into the grandeur and architectural skill of antiquity.

• Acropolis (Ἀκρόπολις)-Theatre of Dionysus (Ancient Buildings), approx. 0.5 km away
• Acropolis (Ἀκρόπολις)-Parthenon (παρθενών) (Ancient Buildings), approx. 0.6 km away
• Acropolis (Ἀκρόπολις)-Odeon of Herodes Atticus (Ancient Buildings), approx. 0.8 km away
• Temple of Hephaestus (Ἡφαιστεῖον) (Ancient Buildings), approx. 1.2 km away