Last Updated on February 8, 2023 by Left Lane
We paid a visit to the The Temple of Hera, during our Road Trip across Greece. It’s located in the ancient city of Archaia Olympia, Greece.
The ancient Temple of Hera was built around 590 B.C. The actual Olympic Games themselves, are much older. The first Olympic Game ever is said to have happened around the year 776B.C. in Olympia, Greece.
Instead of moving from one location to another, as the games do today. In Ancient times all the Olympic Games were held in Archaia Olympia.
The Grand Entrance
The Temple of Hera is also the birthplace of the Olympic Flame. With every Olympic Flame starting its journey around the world from this location since 1936.
With the Olympic Torch being passed on from hand to hand, on its way to the modern day Olympic Stadium. The Alter of Hera is located just outside the Temple of Hera in Archaia Olympia, Greece.
It’s even rumored, that a few Olympic Games were even held into the year 426 A.D. Until they were ended under the reign of the Roman Emperor Theodosius II when he burned the Ancient Temple of Zeus in Archaia Olympia.
Starting Point of the Olympic Flame
They hold an Olympic Torch lighting Ceremony, at the Alter of Hera in Archaia Olympia which signifies the “Official Start” of the modern day Olympic Games.
The site of Archaia (also spelled Archea) Olympia was ravaged by a series of misfortunate events. Including invasion by warring tribes, earthquakes, and tsunamis in the 3rd Century A.D. sometime around the year 385 A.D.
What little that remained of the Ancient Ruins of the City of Olympia. Were completely destroyed around the year 551 A.D by yet another devastating Earthquake.
For more information, and to plan your very own tour of Ancient Olympia, and visit the Temple of Hera Click Here
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