Off to an early start again. Breakfast at 7 and heading out at 8 to the archeological ruins of the ancient Olympic games site.
This site was where athletes from the city states in ancient Greece gathered every four years. These athletes were the best athletes from each of the city states. There was a dedicated area for athletes to cover themselves with Olive oil and practice their craft. The athletes also had dedicated rooms for their stay during the duration of the olympics.
The Olympic games were in honor of Zeus. Not only were the sports dedicated to Zeus, but there were also animals who were sacrificed in his honor.
Only the athletes, their sponsors and dignitaries had assigned quarters during the games. Ordinary folks lived in tents outside the complex along the river bank that ran alongside.
The pics below don't do justice to what was once a magnificent complex. Without our guide's narration, we also couldn't have grasped the magnitude and scale of these games. Many artifacts were stolen over the years. They were able to move a lot of these into the museum for preservation and display.
The games were discontinued by the Emperor who had converted to Christianity during roman times. The games were discontinued because it was in honor of Zeus which incompatible with Christianity.
We next went to the museum to see the actual artifacts. The displays were beautiful. Some pictures below.
We then stopped over for lunch where we got some cooking lessons and Greek style dancing lessons!
Our next stop is Delphi, where the famous Oracle lived. Arrived at around 6 in the evening with dinner at 7:30.
This site was where athletes from the city states in ancient Greece gathered every four years. These athletes were the best athletes from each of the city states. There was a dedicated area for athletes to cover themselves with Olive oil and practice their craft. The athletes also had dedicated rooms for their stay during the duration of the olympics.
The Olympic games were in honor of Zeus. Not only were the sports dedicated to Zeus, but there were also animals who were sacrificed in his honor.
Only the athletes, their sponsors and dignitaries had assigned quarters during the games. Ordinary folks lived in tents outside the complex along the river bank that ran alongside.
The pics below don't do justice to what was once a magnificent complex. Without our guide's narration, we also couldn't have grasped the magnitude and scale of these games. Many artifacts were stolen over the years. They were able to move a lot of these into the museum for preservation and display.
The games were discontinued by the Emperor who had converted to Christianity during roman times. The games were discontinued because it was in honor of Zeus which incompatible with Christianity.
Entrance to the Stadium
Events were held at this Stadium
We next went to the museum to see the actual artifacts. The displays were beautiful. Some pictures below.
Zeus
Chariot Race (Usually in the Triangular Area at the top of the temple)
Cooking Lessons
Dance Lessons
Our next stop is Delphi, where the famous Oracle lived. Arrived at around 6 in the evening with dinner at 7:30.
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