August 28 – Olympia, Greece

We had an early morning departure from the port of Katakolon for a 40 minute drive into the countryside to the archaeological site of Olympia, home of the Greek Olympics from 776 BC until 394 AD.  The Olympics were so important to the Ancient Greeks that even wars were put on hold during the games. 

Good thing we had a guide because the ruins seemed to all run together.  We saw the gymnasium where athletes trained…

and the Temple of Zeus with one restored column...

and a lot of pieces of columns.  The Greek columns are built in sections, called barrels, and the ones on their sides near the Temple of Zeus looked like fallen dominos.

We also saw the Temple of Hera (not a lot of it standing either). 

The lighting of the Olympic flame for the modern Olympics is performed at the altar in front of the Temple of Hera.

Nearby were the remains of a prehistoric building.

We also walked through an intact arch...

that lead to the stadium.  The stadium was in a long depression with grass sides.  This was how the ancient games were held.  They did not have stone seating so the attendees sat on the grass on the sides.  

The stone starting line was in place.

There were a number of people out running the length of the stadium.

This was the Philippeion, which was erected by Philip of Macedonia in honor of his family.

The ruins of a Byzantine church.

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More Olympia 
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After walking the site we headed to the museum there.  It had a lot of archeological treasures. 

Hermes of Praxiteles

Nike of Paeonios

Figures from the pediment of the Temple of Zeus

Roman Emperor Hadrian 

Ancient Bronze pieces.

Poppaea Sabina, Wife of Nero

A rendering/painting of the figure of Zeus.  The original gold and ivory statue of Zeus that was housed in the Temple of Zeus here in Olympia was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.  It has been been lost as the statue was made of wood and ivory with parts covered in gold.  The wood eventually deteriorated, and the gold and ivory were stolen as they were quite valuable.

There were many other interesting displays.

A model layout of Olympia.

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More Olympia Museum
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We were back on ship for lunch.  Early afternoon the captain gave a lecture and demonstration (along with all the sea men) of how to turn the ship using the sails.  The lecture was full of detailed descriptions of what was being done to the various sails and lines in order to get the ship to turn.  He might as well have been speaking Greek.  It was pretty complicated.  But the demonstration was really interesting. 

We also had a lecture from Jennifer, the ship’s photographer.  Unfortunately, she tested positive for COVID our first day at sea so this was the first she was able to be out and about.  Too bad we didn’t have her lecture at the beginning of the cruise.  Although we already knew some of the information she shared. 

A map showing the route of our voyage.

At dinner there was a bit of a mix-up.  Mary had told John, the expedition leader, that Phyllis and Jim’s 63^rd wedding anniversary was August 29.  There was a bit of a mix-up with Simon (who arranges special events) and the chef made them a gorgeous cake today instead…along with champaign for all.  But we went ahead and celebrated even if it was a day early.   

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Video 1 of the Sea Shanty Singers
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Video 2 of the Sea Shanty Singers
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Video 3 of the Sea Shanty Singers
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