Temple of Zeus, Olympia

The Temple of Zeus at Olympia, designed by architect Libon of Elis, was built between 470 and 456 BC as the quintessential Doric order Greek temple. It featured six columns across its front, thirteen along each side, and was constructed from local shell-conglomerate covered in white stucco. Inside stood the chryselephantine Statue of Zeus by Phidias, nearly 12 metres tall and counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The pediments depicted the chariot race of Pelops and the battle of Lapiths and Centaurs, while metopes illustrated the Twelve Labours of Heracles. Emperor Theodosius II ordered its burning in 426 AD, and earthquakes in 551-552 AD toppled the remains.