Temple of Zeus, Olympia

The Temple of Zeus was an ancient Greek temple in Olympia, Greece, dedicated to the god Zeus [1]. The temple, built in the second quarter of the fifth century BC, was the very model of the fully developed classical Greek temple of the Doric order [1]. The temple was constructed between c. 472 and 456 BC [1]. The building sat on a crepidoma (platform) of three unequal steps, the exterior columns were positioned in a six by thirteen arrangement, two rows of seven columns divided the cella (inner chamber) into three aisles [1]. The Eastern pediment depicts the chariot race between Pelops and Oenomaus, while the Western pediment features a Centauromachy with Theseus and the Lapiths [1]. The metopes from the temple depict the twelve labours of Heracles [1]. The temple housed the renowned Statue of Zeus, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World [1]. The chryselephantine (gold and ivory) statue was approximately 13 m (43 ft) high, and was made by the sculptor Phidias in his workshop on the site at Olympia [1].