The site of Olympia was first occupied in the late Neolithic period. However, the archaeological record shows that over the Bronze and Iron Ages, the site developed from a small settlement into a cult centre and finally into a venue for panhellenic games.

The Neolithic and Early Bronze Age of Olympia

The site of Olympia was first settled between 2800-1100BC during the Helladic period, which corresponds with the late Neolithic period and the early Bronze Age. Remains have been found of rectangular and elliptical buildings and evidence of burials within the area that became known as the sanctuary of Zeus.

Small finds on the site consisted of Minyan ware and Matt-Painted pottery. Minyan ware was wheel-made and monochrome and was used mainly for goblets, such as wine cups known as skyphoi. In contrast, Matt-Painted pottery was handmade and painted with rectangular or curvilinear red, black or white designs. Most of the examples of this type of pottery consisted of bowls or pithoi. Most of these finds date from the Middle Helladic period.

The Mycenaean Period: Developing the Sacred

Mycenaean burials have been discovered at Olympia, dating from the Late Helladic period. Finds from the burials include stirrup jars, kylikes, alabastra, jugs, cups, weapons, jewellery and seals. But Olympia’s significance did not just extend to the burial of the dead; in the Late Helladic period, the site’s religious significance begins to show in the archaeological record.

Votive offerings of tripods and figurines around the Altis suggest the cult of Pelops and Hippodameia became active in Olympia at this time. It is also possible that local sporting events began to be held to honour the gods.

The Geometric Period: The Beginning of the Ancient Olympics

The Geometric Period is traditionally the period when the ancient Olympics began at Olympia. The archaeology of Olympia does suggest a large amount of cult activity at the site during this period. Large numbers of expensive bronze cauldrons on tripods have been discovered, dating to the 8th century, as well as votive offerings and finds, including bronze and terracotta animal and human figures, including charioteers and warriors, weapons and armour.

These finds could have been offerings to the gods or prizes at the games. Wells dating to this period also indicates that Olympia was suddenly catering for many people who may have been visiting the fledgling Olympics.

The Archaic Period: The First Greek Temples and Stadium

Whatever the reason for the increased activity, Olympia’s importance as a site had grown by the Archaic Period. The first proper Greek temples were constructed on the site, as well as early sporting venues.

The temple of Hera was the first temple built in 590BC, and the site’s first stadium was constructed shortly afterwards. By now, the games were established and attracting enough visitors for Olympia to need some form of government. So, both the sanctuary and games were managed by the city of Elis, while the first Olympic council house was built in 520BC.

Resources

Hornblower, S and Spawforth, A (eds) The Oxford Classical Dictionary (3rd ed). Oxford: Oxford University Press

Gates, C, (2003) Ancient Cities: The Archaeology of Urban Life in the Ancient Near East and Egypt, Greece and Rome. Routledge: London and New York

Yalouris, A & N, (1995) Olympia: Guide to the Museum and the Sanctuary. Ekdotike Athenon s.a: Athens