The Statue of Zeus at Olympia was selected by the ancient Greeks as one of the 7 wonders, and no wonder. Zeus was the king of all the Greek Gods, and Olympia was the city-state where the ancient Greek Olympic games were held.
The Temple of Zeus was completed in 456 BCE. It was built in Olympia to honor the Greek Olympic Game. Like the Parthenon and the Temple of Artemis, Doric columns were used to support the structure.
Inside the temple was a statue of Zeus, the king of all the Greek gods. He was seated on a throne. The statue was 40 feet high. The statue of Zeus was carved of ivory, and then plated with gold. The throne was made of cedar, decorated with inlaid ivory, ebony, gold, and precious gems. In one hand, Zeus held a small statue of the goddess Nike, the goddess of victory. In his other hand, Zeus held a scepter with an eagle perched on top. This statue of Zeus was selected as one of the 7 wonders.
Little is left of this magnificent statue today. But the stadium has been rebuilt. And the spirit of the ancient Greek Olympic Games lives on.
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