The Mythology of Olympia: Zeus, Pelops and the Founding of the Games

The east pediment of the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, showing the founding myth of the chariot race of Pelops and Oinomaos

The mythology of Olympia is as rich as its ruins, for the sanctuary was woven through with legends that explained the origin of the Olympic Games and bound them to the gods. Several founding myths were told: that Zeus himself founded the Games after defeating his father Kronos; that his son Herakles established them after … Read more