The Temple of Zeus

The construction of the Temple of Zeus Olympios by the city-state of Elis began after the final destruction of Pisa in 471 BC and continued until 456 BC. Elis used the spoils of its war with Pisa to finance the construction of the temple.

The Architecture

The architect of the Temple of Zeus Olympios was Libon, a resident of Elis. At the time of its construction, the temple of Zeus was the largest temple on the Greek mainland, and was considered the canon of the Doric order. The temple was made with a local shell-conglomerate limestone coated with a layer of white stucco to give the appearance of marble.

The Remains of the Temple of Zeus

The Plan of the Temple of Zeus