Olympia - Temple of Zeus

Although the temple of Zeus at Olympia collapsed in an earthquake in the A.D. sixth century the massive remains still allow us to gain some idea of what it was like. On the three-stepped crepidoma (27.7m/91ft by 64.1m/210ft; completely preserved), supported on foundations 3m/10ft high, stood 6 x 13 columns, each 10.53m/34.5ft high and 2.23m/7ft 4in in diameter at the base. The total height of the temple was about 20m/65ft. While the main structure was of muschelkalk limestone faced with stucco, Parian marble was used for the roof with its 102 lion's-head water-spouts and for the sculpture on the metopes and pediments. The sculpture (ca. 460 B.C.) is masterly work in the Severe style (finds in Museum).

The Temple of Zeus