Ancient City Athen (Αθήνα)-Temple of Olympian Zeus

The origins of the Olympieion date back to the 6th century BC, when a 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 structures such as the Wall of Themistocles and the predecessor of the Parthenon. In the 2nd century BC, 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, columns were transported to Rome. The Olympieion finally saw its completion and dedication around 131/132 AD under the Roman Emperor Hadrian. 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.