The Statue of Zeus at Olympia

The ancient Olympic Games, first held in 776BC, were located in Olympia, on the western coast of Greece. The Games themselves were held to honour the King of the Greek Gods - Zeus. As well as a stadium for the athletes there was also a shrine to Zeus where competitors and spectators could worship and give thanks. As the Games gained in prestige and importance with the passing years, it was felt that a grander symbol of the power of Zeus was required. So in 428BC construction began on a new temple.

Although the newly completed temple was far superior to its predecessors, it was still not felt to be magnificent enough; consequently it was decided to adorn the interior of the temple with the greatest statue of Zeus that Greece had ever seen.

When completed the statue stood 12 metres (40 feet) high and was plated with gold and ivory from head to toe. It sat atop a throne constructed from gold, ebony and ivory and inlaid with precious stones and gems. The effect it had on visiting worshippers must have been, as the original sculptor intended, truly awe inspiring.

http://wonderclub.com/WorldWonders/ZeusHistory.html