Statue of Zeus at Olympia, Greece

The Statue of Zeus at Olympia is considered to be the third wonder of the world. By the opening of next Olympic Games, a new temple dedicated to the father of the Greek gods was built. Construction of a grand temple lasted for 15 years and was completed in 456 BC. The temple of Zeus was built under the project of the genius architect, Le Bon. He hit a grand in its scope and decoration. The main decoration of the temple was the statue of Zeus created by the famous sculptor of those times, Phidias.

According to historical records, the statue was installed in the temple in 440 BC. The structure built of the best ivory featured impressive size. The height of the statue was more than 15 meters. About 200 kilograms of gold were used to decorate it. The fate of the beautiful statue is unknown. According to some reports, the grand temple at Olympia was closed during the reign of the Roman Emperor Theodosius, and the statue moved to Constantinople in 363. According to others, the statue was destroyed at the end of the 5th century, after the temple at Olympia has been looted.

The outstanding historic discovery happened in 1875, when archaeologists managed to find the ruins of the Temple of Zeus. Not far away, they found the ruins of the workshop of Phidias. Scientists had decades of continuous research and found out a lot of amazing historical nuances. Archaeologists discovered devices necessary for processing the ivory and gold coating application, as well as chips of precious stones. All this is a valid proof that the Statue of Zeus at Olympia was incredibly beautiful and richly decorated. Recreated models of the temple and a magnificent statue were the fruit of the labor of historians and archaeologists. Next - Temple of Artemis at Ephesus