The Hellenistic and Roman periods represented a renaissance for Olympia. Archaeological excavation has shown that during both periods, the sanctuary and athletic facilities were upgraded and expanded, with the Romans introducing their cult of emperors and reviving the popularity of the games.
The sanctuary’s decline accompanied that of the empire that revived her and what man started, nature finished.
Hellenistic Greece and Olympia
The Greek city state declined in the Hellenistic period in favour of Hellenistic monarchies led by Kings such as Philip of Macedonia and Alexander the Great. Archaeology suggests that despite this political change, Olympia remained an important panhellenic site.
The palaestra and gymnasium were rebuilt during this period and a set of basic baths added to the site. Statues of heroes, gods and athletes continued to be dedicated. One of the best examples of sculpture from this period is the Hermes of Praxiteles. Dedicated as an offering to the Temple of Hera in 330BC, the statue survived the destruction of the site virtually undamaged, preserved under the collapsed brick wall of the temple cella. It measures just over two metres high and bears traces of red and gilt paint. These faint stains are all that remains of the bright colours that would have brought the marble to life.
The nature of the Altis also began to change. It was now not only a place to commemorate gods and heroes of the games, but living rulers. In the 4th century, a monument to Philip of Macedonia was added close to the temple of Hera. This innovation set a trend continued by the Romans
The Romans-The Fall and Rise of the Olympic Games and the Cult of the Emperors
Initially, Olympia declined under the Romans. By 30BC the games were no longer panhellenic and only celebrated as a mere local festival. But things changed with the rise of the emperors.
Augustus’s friend Agrippa took an interest in the site and began to repair damage to the Altis. The games revived when members of the imperial family began to take part in the contests. Tiberius, Augustus’s successor and his nephew Germanicus both took part in and won chariot races. Nero also performed in the musical contests of the games and even had a house built just outside the stadium.
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