The Statue Of Zeus

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The Statue Of Zeus

• By Samantha Fearnley

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History

• The temple of Zeus was designed by the architect
  Libon and was built around 450 BC.
• The Athenian sculptor Pheidias was assigned for
  the sacred task, reminiscent of Michelangelos
  paintings at the Sistine Chapel.
• For the years that followed, the temple attracted
  visitors and worshippers from all over the world.
• In the first century AD, the Roman emperor
  Caligula attempted to transport the statue to
  Rome.

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History

• This attempt failed when the scaffolding built by
  Caligulas workmen collapsed.
• In AD 361 the temple of Zeus was ordered closed.
• Olympia was struck by earthquakes, landslides,and
  the temple was damaged by fire in the fifth
  century.
• Today nothing remains at the site of the old
  temple except rocks, the foundation of the
  buildings, and the fallen columns.

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Description

• Pheidias began working on the statue around 440
  BC.
• On his head was a sculpted wreath of olive
  sprays. In his right hand he holds a figure of
  victory made from ivory and gold, as is eagle
  perched on the sceptre. His sandals are made of
  gold, as is his robe. His garments are carved
  with animals and with lilies. The throne is
  decorated with gold, precisous stones, ebony and
  ivory

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Description

• The base of the statue was about 6.5 m (20 ft)
  wide and 1.0 meter (3 ft0 high. The height of
  the statue itself was 13 m (40 ft), equivalent to
  a modern day 4-story building.
• When the statue was completed it barely fit the
  temple
• The statue was occasionally decorated with gifts
  from kings and rulers.
• It is the idea that the king of gods is capable
  of un-roofing the temple.