Temple of Hera at Olympia Facts for Kids

Temple of Hera partly restored

The Temple of Hera is an ancient Greek temple. It was built to honor Hera, who was the Greek goddess of marriage. She was also the wife of Zeus, the most powerful Greek god. This temple, also called the Heraion, was built around 600 BC in Olympia, Greece. It is one of the oldest temples in all of Greece.

The temple was quite large. It measured about 50 meters (164 feet) long and 18.75 meters (61.5 feet) wide. It stood about 7.80 meters (25.6 feet) tall. The temple had six Doric columns at each end. It also had sixteen Doric columns along each side. These columns were first made of wood. Over time, they were slowly replaced with strong limestone. An earthquake destroyed the temple in the early 4th century AD. It was never fully rebuilt after that.

What Was Inside the Temple?
- Statues and Art
- Important Items
Special Traditions and the Olympic Flame
Gallery
See also

What Was Inside the Temple?

The Temple of Hera held many important items.

Statues and Art

A large statue of Hera sat on a throne inside the temple. This was at the eastern end.
A stone head that might be Hera's still exists today.
Next to Hera's statue stood a statue of Zeus. He was shown dressed as a warrior.
The famous statue of Hermes and the Infant Dionysos was also kept here. This beautiful artwork was made by the artist Praxiteles.

Important Items

At the western end of the temple, there was a special table. This table held the wreaths that were given to the victors of the Olympic Games.
Other valuable and important items were also stored in this part of the temple.

Special Traditions and the Olympic Flame

The Temple of Hera was important for several traditions.

The Heraia Games

The Heraia were ancient footraces. Only women competed in these games.
The winners of the Heraia had the right to place their own statues at the temple.
Every four years, a special ceremony took place. The women of Elis would make a new robe for the statue of Hera. They would then dress the statue in this new robe.

The Modern Olympic Flame

Today, the Olympic Flame is lit at the Altar of Hera. This altar stands just east of the temple ruins.
This tradition connects the modern Olympic Games to their ancient roots.

Restoring the Temple

In the late 20th century, the German Archaeological Institute worked to restore parts of the temple.
They rebuilt some of the columns.
They also restored a large, circular decoration called an akroterion. This akroterion was originally at the top of the temple. You can now see it displayed in the Olympia museum.