Our last stop in Greece was to Katakolon and Olympia. These two cities are found on the western side of the Peloponese (just below mainland Greece). Katakolon was unlike the other Greek cities, it was a small port town. We had to drive through the countryside to reach Olympia. There were many beautiful farms, green fields, and olive orchards on the way. The land was hilly, but not mountainous like in the other cities we visited.
Olympia is the site of the ancient Olympics. Much of it was destroyed during the Christian period, when they tried to eliminate the pagan influence. The stadium, where the foot races were once held, has been restored. The marble starting blocks are still there, and the spectators would sit on the sides of the hill. (Only men were allowed in the stadium.) Over 200,000 spectators would come to watch the games. Several temples had been built outside the stadium. The temple of Jupiter must have been very large. You could tell by the great columns, which had fallen down. There was a museum there, where they have collected the artifacts that they have found at the location.
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