Thursday 30th May 2019
We took a drive out today to visit Olympia, where the ancient Olympic games were held, every four years, from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD.
It was a journey of about 70km each way and we took advantage of the lower diesel prices here to fill the cars tank. I don’t think the lady doing the filling could have got another drop in 🙂
We drove into the modern town of Olympia and made our way to the car park near the archaeological site. Parking was very easy as it was quiet, and is free of charge.
From there we made our way up to the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity where we purchased our tickets to visit both museums and the site of the sanctuary, €12 each. Cash only.
Tickets purchased, we perused the exhibits for a while and read some of the extensive information boards about the ancient Olympics.
The games were originally a festival for Zeus and this developed into athletic contests between city states of ancient Greece. Only freeborn Greek men could take part. A nationwide truce would be called so that the competitors could travel in safety to compete.
Fully educated, or as close as it gets these days, we ventured forth to the archaeological site to study the remains. The site sits in the picturesque valley of the Alfeiós River
No maps were available at the entrance so we went it alone guided by a map Kim found online on her phone.
We began our tour at the gymnasium where the athletes prepared for the games.
There are many information boards dotted around but, such is the level of destruction, I found it hard sometimes to know exactly what I was looking at.
We continued our tour while taking shelter under the many tress as the temperature had, by now, risen to 30°C!
The Echo Portico was so named as any word uttered would echo seven times. It was around 100 meters long.
Continuing our tour we took in more of the sights.
Next up the stadium. I have to admit to being underwhelmed.
This is Neros’ House. He stayed here when he competed in the games in AD57.
This building was one of the most complete. It was originally a bath, then converted to a wine factory. A kiln furnace was also used to make glass. Evidence of a wall heating system is still evident.
All historied out, we made our way back up the steep hill into town for a cooling beverage and some dinner. We found a place sitting out on the street to eat our Greek style meal while watching the swifts feeding their young on the building opposite.
Fed and watered we made our way back to camp.
I don’t know what I was expecting at Olympia but I came away a bit underwhelmed. The inevitable level of destruction due to the passage of time means that you are often looking at a pile of rocks. It was hard, for me, to picture the magnificence that this place must once have had.
Maybe I should have bought a book about the place. Maybe I should have taken a guided tour. Maybe I had an off day 🙂