Temple of Hera: Ancient Sanctuary at Olympia

The Temple of Hera stands in the northwest corner of the sacred precinct of Altis in Olympia, a testament to ancient Greek architectural brilliance and religious devotion. Dedicated to Hera, the goddess of marriage, women, and childbirth, the temple is one of the oldest monumental temples in Greece. Originally, the temple may have been dedicated to both Hera and Zeus until a separate temple was erected for Zeus. Constructed around 600 BC, the temple held a place of honor in the ancient Olympic Games, where the Olympic flame was lit at its altar, symbolizing the continuity of the Games from ancient times to the modern era. The temple also played a role in the Heraean Games, a separate festival for female athletes. The temple's architecture reflects the Doric style, characterized by its sturdy columns and harmonious proportions. The original wooden columns were gradually replaced with stone ones, showcasing the evolution of the Doric style from the Archaic to Roman periods. Pausanias, in the 2nd century AD, noted that one original oak column remained. The temple was divided into three chambers: the pronaos, cella, and opisthodomos. The cella housed the cult statues of Zeus and Hera. Significant artifacts, including the Disk of Iphitos and the Chest of Kypselos, were also kept here. Today, the Temple of Hera's ruins offer a glimpse into the past, inviting visitors to connect with ancient Greek religious traditions and architectural ingenuity.