The Temple of Olympian Zeus, also known as the Olympieion, is a colossal ruined temple in the center of Athens, Greece. It was dedicated to Zeus, king of the Olympian gods. Construction began in the 6th century BC during the rule of the Athenian tyrants, who envisaged building the greatest temple in the ancient world, but it was not completed until the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD, some 638 years after the project had begun. During the Roman periods, it was renowned as the largest temple in Greece and housed one of the largest cult statues in the ancient world.
Religious Structures
Temple of Apollo (Delphi)
The Temple of Apollo in Delphi, Greece, is one of the most significant archaeological sites from the ancient world. Known as the “navel of the world,” Delphi was a central hub of religious, cultural, and political activity in ancient Greece. The Temple of Apollo, which was the centerpiece of this sacred site, was home to the Pythia, the high priestess of the temple who served as the oracle of Delphi. This temple was a major site for the worship of the god Apollo and played a crucial role in Greek religious and societal practices.
The Temple of Isis, Philae
The Temple of Isis at Philae is a significant archaeological site that provides a wealth of information about ancient Egyptian culture, religion, and architecture. This temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, was an important center of worship and pilgrimage for ancient Egyptians. It is located on the island of Philae in the Nile River, near Aswan. The temple complex was constructed over a period of several centuries, beginning in the Ptolemaic period and continuing into the Roman era. Despite being submerged under water for many years due to the construction of the Aswan dam, the temple was saved through a massive international effort and relocated to the nearby island of Agilkia.
Artemis Temple, Vravrona (Brauron)
The Artemis Temple in Vravrona (Brauron), located in the eastern part of Attica, Greece, is a significant archaeological site. This ancient sanctuary was dedicated to Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt, wild animals, wilderness, childbirth, and virginity. The temple was a crucial center for religious practices in ancient Greece, particularly for rites of passage for young girls. The site is characterized by its unique architectural features and artifacts, which offer insights into the cultural and religious practices of the time.
Temple of Poseidon (Paestum)
The Temple of Poseidon, also known as the second temple of Hera, is an ancient Greek temple located in Paestum, Italy. It is one of the most well-preserved Doric order Greek temples in existence. Constructed around 450 BC, the temple was dedicated to the Greek god Poseidon, the god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses. However, due to a historical mix-up, it was wrongly attributed to Poseidon and is actually a temple dedicated to Hera, the wife of Zeus and goddess of women, childbirth, family, and marriage. The temple is a significant representation of the grandeur and sophistication of Greek architecture and culture.
Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae
The Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae, nestled in the mountains of Arcadia in Greece, is a monumental tribute to the god of healing, light, and truth. This well-preserved architectural marvel was built in the mid-5th century BC and is considered a masterpiece of ancient Greek architecture. It is the first Greek site to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, owing to its unique blend of architectural styles and its exceptional state of preservation.