What is the Wonder?
The wonder I chose for my project is Statue of Zeus in Olympia. This colossal statue represented Zeus, the Greek god of thunder and heaven. It was ordered in 450 B.C. to the Athenian sculptor Phidias by the inhabitants of Olympia who wish to decorate the temple of the old town. It was realized with golden and ivory, measured 12 m (39 feet) height and was placed on a base of 2 m (7 feet). The base of the statue was 6 m (21 feet) wide. The statue's perimeter was 13 m (43 feet). This work touched almost the ceiling of the temple. On the other hand, the throne was decorated with precious stones, ivory, ebony and gold.
Who built this wonder?
Phidias
Phidias, the great Athenian sculptor, built the statue of Zeus.
Who destroyed this wonder?
The Roman Emperor Caligula, jealous of its power over his newly conquered "citizens," ordered it moved to Rome. The scaffolding attached to the statue collapsed by a accidental fire , accompanied by, according to legend, a loud laughing noise.
Who was this wonder built for?
It was known to build for the inhabitants of Olympia who thought the temple of Zeus was boring, but the real reason is something else. It was built to honor the Olympian God, Zeus.
Where was this wonder located?The Statue of Zeus is located in an ancient town of Olympia, on the west coast of modern Greece.
Is this location meaningful?
Yes, it is meaningful to people because it represents the Olympian God and the Olympic Games. One of the Olympics was cancelled due to the destruction of the statue. Olympic Games were held in honor of Zeus and named after the city of Olympia.
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When was this wonder built?
The Statue of Zeus was designed in 450 B.C. The construction was completed in 432 B.C.
When was this wonder destroyed?
It was lost in an accidental fire in 462 A.D. The temple and statue survived earthquakes and other natural disasters until it was uprooted and carted off to Constantinople, in A.D. 394.
How long has it been around?
It lasted as an inspiration to and destination for thousands for many years. It resisted many attempts to usurp its authority in the eyes of its visitors. A few columns of this famous landmark have been uncovered during 19th and 20th Century archaeological digs, but that is all that remains of the once magnificent statue.
How long did it take to be built?
It took Phidias around 18 years to build.
Why was this wonder built and destroyed?
It was known to build for the inhabitants of Olympia who thought the temple of Zeus was boring, but the real reason is something else. It was built to honor the Olympian God, Zeus. Nobody destroyed it. It was just lost in an accidental fire in 462 A.D.
Why is this wonder considered one of the Ancient Wonders of the World?
The seven wonders of the world were chosen by a Greek historian named Herodotus. One of these was the Statue of Zeus at Olympia. This particular wonder was chosen because of the wonderful sculpting of the statue.