The Statue of Zeus at Olympia: Seven Ancient Wonders of the World

The ruins of the Temple of Zeus at Olympia

Zeus (Jupiter) is the king of the gods. He is the Greek god of light, sky, and thunder. Zeus is commonly shown with a lion, eagle, or scepter beside him. He lives on the summit of Mount Olympus. His brothers are Hades (Pluto) and Poseidon (Neptune).

The Statue of Zeus at Olympia is (was) one of the seven wonders of the ancient world; a list of must-see monuments and architectural feats compiled by various authors from 100 B.C. onwards, limited to the Mediterranean and Middle East (which would at the time have comprised the entire known world to the authors). 

This wonder, a 40 foot tall statue of Zeus in his temple at Olympia, Greece, was created in the 430’s B.C. under the supervision and direction of Greek sculptor, Phidias. The statue of Zeus is believed to have been made entirely out of gold and ivory. It was larger than the remarkable sculpting of Athena within the Parthenon. 

The Statue of Zeus at Olympia was a major site of attraction for pilgrims throughout Europe and the Mediterranean looking to worship Zeus. The wonder was depicted in many ancient Roman and Greek works of art, giving credibility to its existence. 

Unfortunately, after almost one thousand years of existence, the statue of Zeus was destroyed. A fire broke out, and due to the wooden base, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia perished in the fifth century A.D. Today, the temple lies in ruins.

However, the statue’s magnificence and legacy lives on today. In Washington D.C., a modern interpretation is displayed to the world in Lincoln Memorial, which was undoubtedly inspired by the statue. 

The Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., built in 1922