The monumental statue of Zeus at Olympia in Greece was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Created in the 430s BCE under the supervision of the master Greek sculptor Phidias, the huge ivory and gold statue was bigger even than that of Athena in the Parthenon. Worshipped by pilgrims from across the Mediterranean, the statue inspired countless imitations and defined the standard representation of Zeus in Greek and Roman art in sculpture, on coins, pottery, and gemstones. Lost in later Roman times following its removal to Constantinople, Phidias' masterpiece captivated the ancient world for 1,000 years and was the must-see sight for anyone who attended the ancient Olympic Games.
More about: Statue of Zeus at OlympiaDefinition
Timeline
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776 BCEFirst athletic games in honour of Zeus are held at Olympia with one event, the stadion foot race.
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c. 460 BCE - 457 BCETemple of Zeus is built at Olympia with a statue of Apollo dominating the west pediment and containing the cult statue of Zeus by Phidias.
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c. 430 BCEThe cult statue of Zeus by Phidias is dedicated in the Temple of Zeus, Olympia. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
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225 BCEPhilo of Byzantium records The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
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395 CEThe statue of Zeus at Olympia is removed to Constantinople.
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475 CEAccording to the Byzantine historian Zonaras, the statue of Zeus from Olympia is destroyed by a fire in Constantinople.
