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OLYMPIA ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

The Olympia Archaeological Museum, opened in 1982, is one of the most important museums in Greece. The many galleries are arranged chronologically with separate galleries for the pediment and metope sculptures from the Zeus temple, and artifacts from the Olympic Games.

Pilgrims and athletes coming to Olympia offered weapons and helmets as gifts to Zeus.

Some of the artifacts date to the Persian Wars, including the helmet of Miltiades, victor at the Battle of Marathon.

A terra cotta figurine of Zeus and Ganymede, found in wonderful condition, gives us one of the most humanized portrayals of Zeus that we have recovered.

The central hall houses the pediments from the enormous Temple of Zeus, which have survived remarkably well. The east pediment depicts the chariot race between King Oinomaos and Pelops, who was a suitor for his daughter Hippodameia. Zeus stands at the center.

Western Pediment from the Temple of Zeus, Olympia

The western pediment depicts the mythological battle between the Lapiths and the Centaurs. In this illustration the Centaurs, who are drunk at a wedding, are attempting to abduct the Lapith women. Apollo stands at the center.

In it's own area, the 5th century B.C. statue 'Nike', by Paionios is displayed. The plaster reconstruction shows the goddess descending on the back of an eagle.

The most famous exhibit at the Olympia Museum is the beautiful statue of Hermes and Dionysos, by Praxitales. The statue is exquisitely made of Parian (from Paros) marble and dates from the 4th century.

The beautiful statue was also featured as part of the design of the medals of the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.

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