Temple of Zeus

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View looking north at the east end of the Temple of Zeus.  The entrance of the temple was at this end. The three columns on the right are still standing from ancient times.  Two of them still support an architrave that was put in place over 2000 years ago!

The temple was first built in the sixth century B.C. and was replaced about 330 B.C. with another temple — the one whose remains are being reconstructed today.  Although the capitals of the columns appear to be Doric, the temple was actually a composite of the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian styles.

It had six columns on each narrow end and twelve on each side (instead of the more usual 13). The Greeks are doing as much reconstruction of the temple as possible — as funds will permit — in preparation for the 2004 Olympics.  Note the scaffolding on the two left (reerected) columns.

For a general description of Nemea and a map Click Here.

For a model of the temple and the general area Click Here.