Statue of Zeus at Olympia
The Statue of Zeus at Olympia, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World was built around 435 BC.
Zeus was considered to be the god of the sky, thunder, lighting, law, justice, order and the father of the Olympic Games.
A temple was built for Zeus at Olympia between 466-456 BC and it was designed by architect Libon.
The wonderful huge statue was sculpted by a legendary Athenian sculptor Phidias who was assisted by his pupils Panainos and Kolotis
Statue of Zeus was erected in the Temple of Zeus at the sanctuary of Olympia
It took 12 years to complete this wonder.
The statue measured around 42 Ft. (13m) tall and the base 21 Ft. (6m) wide. Its perimeter was 43 Ft.(13m)
The figure of Zeus was seated on a huge throne that was 22 feet wide which was almost touching the roof.
Strabo, the noted geographer once commented, if Zeus were to come to life and stand up, “he would unroof the temple”
The throne was made from cedar wood and decorated with precious stones, ivory, gold and ebony.
In his right hand Zeus held a figure of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory and in his left hand was eagle headed sceptre.
The depictions of the Statue of Zeus are based on historical descriptions and depictions on Ancient Greek coins.
The statue was transported by a Greek named Lausus to his palace in the city of Constantinople.
It was damaged in a massive earthquake and repaired.
The statue remained there until it was destroyed by fire which swept through the city in 475 AD.
Today nothing remains at the site except rocks and debris, fallen columns and the foundation of the buildings.
But the huge statue stood strong in the temple at Olympia for more than 800 years.
Image Credit: www.chess.com
