History of Olympia

The province of Elis (modern Ileia) was the home of the Epeans in the Mycenean period. In the 11th c.B.C the Fleans, a Dorian tribe, invade Lower Elis and settle there. In Geometric Period the first Olympic Games in honour of Zeus (776 B.C.) and the “sacred truce” established. The Games lasted five days every four years and the price for the winners was a wreath of olive. In the 5th century B.C. the glory of Olympia reached its peak. The roman rule started in 146 B.C. and in Olympia new facilities were constructed while many works of art transferred to Rome.In 80 B.C. Sulla transferred the 175 Olympic Games to Rome. In 267 A.D. the Sanctuary of Olympia raided by the Herouls. The Olympic games ended in 393 A.D. In 426 A.D. the emperor Theodosius the 2nd ordered the destruction of the ancient monuments. Sporadic invasions conducted by the Goths(396), Avars and Slavs (6th c.)