Prytaneion facts for kids
The Prytaneion was a special building in ancient Olympia, Greece. It was a very important place where big feasts were held. These parties honored the winners of the Olympic Games. Important guests also celebrated here.
The Prytaneion was built around the end of the 6th century BC. This means it is over 2,500 years old! It stood northwest of the famous Temple of Hera at Olympia. Later, during Roman times, the building was rebuilt and made bigger many times. You can still see many old bricks from those Roman changes.
The Eternal Flame
Inside the Prytaneion was a very special place. This was the Altar of Hestia. Hestia was the Greek goddess of the hearth and home. On her altar, the Olympic eternal flame burned all day and all night. This flame was a symbol of the Olympic Games.
Every year, priests from Olympia used ashes from Hestia's altar. They mixed these ashes with water from the River Alpheios. This mixture was then used to cover the Great Altar of Zeus. The Altar of Hestia was located in a square room on the south side of the building.
What Was Inside?
The Prytaneion was designed for celebrations. The rooms on the west side of the building were used for feasting. There was also a large open courtyard with columns on the north side. This area was called a peristyle court. It was also used for big meals and cooking.
Images for kids
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Prytaneion of Panticapaeum, II b.c. (Kerch, Crimea)
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Lato
See also
In Spanish: Pritaneo para niños
