The Temple of Zeus at Olympia, Heroes, and Athletes 2

Olympia

Sacred site in Greece where the Olympic Games were held and athletes entered through the Altis

Temple of Zeus

Main temple at Olympia known for its sculptures and religious significance

Altis

The sacred inner sanctuary of Olympia where temples and altars were located

Pelops

Hero who defeated Oinomaos in a chariot race and became a mythological founder of the Olympic Games

Oinomaos

King who challenged suitors to chariot races for his daughter

Centauromachy

Mythological battle between Lapiths and Centaurs depicted on the west pediment of the Temple of Zeus

Apollo

God depicted in the Centauromachy scene as directing the action without fighting

Theseus

Hero who helped lead the Lapiths in their fight against the Centaurs at the wedding of Perithoos

Perithoos

Lapith king whose wedding sparked the Centauromachy

Herakles

Greek hero whose twelve labors were depicted on the twelve metopes of the Temple of Zeus

Kleos

Greek concept of everlasting fame

Bouleuterion

Building at Olympia where athletes swore oaths on sacrificed boar before competing

Pelopion

Shrine at Olympia dedicated to the hero Pelops where offerings were made

Arete

Greek value of excellence or virtue shown in heroic and athletic achievement

Hoplite warfare

Heavily armored Greek infantry combat style that influenced athletic training and competition

Military dedications

Weapons

Panhellenic games

Major Greek athletic competitions

Heraia

Athletic footrace for young girls at Olympia held in honor of the goddess Hera

François Vase

Early Attic vase that depicted the Centauromachy before its appearance in large-scale temple sculpture

Pindar

Poet known for composing victory odes that praised Olympic champions and warned against hubris