Great Tours: Greece and Turkey, from Athens to Istanbul Season 1 Episode 8 Ancient Olympia: Gods, Games, and Temples

In Great Tours: Greece and Turkey, from Athens to Istanbul season 1 episode 8, viewers are taken on a journey to Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The episode explores the history of the site, the religious significance of the ancient temples and the evolution of the Olympic Games over time.

The episode begins with a visit to the Temple of Zeus, one of the most iconic structures in all of ancient Greece. The temple was built to honor the king of the gods and was home to the famous statue of Zeus, which was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Viewers will learn about the significance of the temple in ancient times and how it influenced the development of the city of Olympia as a religious center.

Next, the episode explores the origins of the Olympic Games. The games were created in honor of Zeus and were held every four years in Olympia. Athletes from all over the Greek world would come to compete in events such as running, discus throwing, and wrestling. The episode takes viewers through the history of the games, from their humble beginnings as local competitions to the international spectacle they became in later years.

The episode then takes a closer look at the athletes themselves. Viewers will learn about the strict training regimes and diets that athletes would follow in order to prepare for the games. They will also learn about the importance of the games in society and how a victory at the Olympics could elevate an athlete to the status of a hero.

The episode concludes with a visit to the Temple of Hera, another important religious site in ancient Olympia. The temple was dedicated to the goddess Hera, wife of Zeus, and was home to the famous Statue of Hera, which was also considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Viewers will learn about the significance of the temple in ancient times and how it played a role in the development of the Olympic Games.

Overall, Great Tours: Greece and Turkey, from Athens to Istanbul season 1 episode 8 is a fascinating exploration of one of the most important religious and sporting sites in ancient Greece. Viewers will learn about the history of the site, the significance of the temples and the evolution of the games over time. The episode is a must-see for anyone interested in ancient history, sports or Greek mythology.