Temple of Olympian Zeus: The long-unsolved mystery

Athens, brimming with remarkable attractions, is steeped in rich history, myths, and enigmatic tales. Among these, the Temple of Olympian Zeus stands out. This renowned landmark has been shrouded in mystery for years. Intriguingly, a single photograph sparked the enigma surrounding this popular site, which boasts its own illustrious past.

The imposing buildings of Ernst Ziller in Athens

Temple of Olympian Zeus: The great history of the monument of Athens

To begin with, the sanctuary of Olympian Zeus housed one of the grandest temples of the ancient world, dedicated to Zeus. This sanctuary was a renowned example of marble architecture. Its foundation traces back to the mythical Deucalion. Unfortunately, we don’t have a complete image of the temple from that era, only the remnants of the colossal structure. Today, the Temple of Olympian Zeus is essentially the ruins of the original temple, also known as the Olympieion.

Olympian Zeus Columns — Temple of Olympian Zeus

A mere 500 meters from Syntagma Square lie the remnants of the grandest temple of ancient Greece. In the Roman era, it was the largest temple in Greece, housing one of the most massive cult statues of the ancient world. However, the temple’s magnificent glory was short-lived. It was plundered during a Cheroulia invasion in the 3rd century AD. Since then, it has been abandoned, never restored, and gradually deteriorated into ruins. Today, it stands as one of Athens’ most significant landmarks, albeit in a state of decay.

The long-unsolved mystery

So, what is the enduring enigma associated with the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and how was it eventually solved? The image we see today of the Pillars is quite distinctive. However, a photograph, over 160 years old, sparked a mystery that required extensive research to unravel. This is why it has been considered a mystery for so long. The answer emerged in 2017 when a British writer and researcher, Paul M.M.M Cooper, conducted his investigation and made a simultaneous revelation.

An 1858 photograph reveals an unusual appendage at the top of the remaining structure of the Temple of Olympian Zeus. This appendage appears to be a small room, a peculiar and mysterious construction unrelated to the temple’s original, unfinished design. The mystery was soon solved when a British researcher discovered an 1833 painting by Johann Michael Wittmer, which also featured this addition. It was eventually revealed that this construction was the work of the Stylites, ascetics known for living atop high structures to feel closer to God.

The researcher explained, “Christian ascetics, known as Stylites or ‘saints of the pillars,’ believed that living on top of tall pillars brought them closer to God. This practice also induced sacred physical debilitation, serving as atonement for their sins.” Thus, the long-standing mystery was finally resolved.