Ancient History Fangirl

The Statue of Zeus at Olympia: Sweaty, Oily, and Judging You

Apr 11, 2024

Discover the ancient wonder of the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, towering like a three-storey building, with its glistening skin of ivory and daily oiling. Uncover curses, secret engravings, daytime sex, and athletic men. Learn about the Olympics, the grandeur of the temple, and the tragic fate of this colossal statue. Explore its influence on modern representations, like the Lincoln Memorial, and join a slightly unhinged deep dive into the Hellenic imagination.

01:39:19

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Quick takeaways

The Statue of Zeus at Olympia was an enormous, formidable statue made of hippopotamus ivory that required daily oiling to prevent cracking.

Athletes at the Olympics would curse and hex their competition, exercise naked, and participate in singing contests, philosophy face-offs, and poetry slams.

The Olympic Village was a hub of male virility, showcasing physical prowess and eroticized ambition through exercises, love-making, and competitions.

Women were strictly prohibited from spectating at the Olympic Games, except for the priestess of Demeter and female sex workers, challenging male-dominated narratives.

Deep dives

Preparations and Rituals at Olympia

Before the Olympic Games, athletes would arrive, get purified and anointed with oil, exercise naked in the gymnasium, taking time to curse and hex their competition, a practice considered normal. The site was charged with male virility, showcasing muscle and agility. Law sanctioned cursing but condemned cheating. Participants went through rigorous rituals and ceremonies, including being anointed with oil and exercising naked to demonstrate their prowess.

Introduction

2min

Exploring the Statue of Zeus at Olympia

17min

Payments to the Temple and a Sponsor Promotion

2min

Exploring Royal Life and the Plunder of the Temple Complex

2min

The Sacredness and Exclusivity of Ancient Greek Olympic Games

15min

Duties of the Priestess of Zeus and Religious Significance of the Olympic Games

4min

The Origins and Transformations of the Sanctuary of Zeus at Olympia

15min

Women's Roles at the Ancient Olympic Games and the Herrayan Games

3min

Unveiling the Temple of Olympian Zeus

17min

10.

The Grandeur and Fate of the Statue of Zeus at Olympia

18min

11.

Influences of Zeus at Olympia on Abraham Lincoln Memorial and Ancient Gods' Evolution

3min

12.

Gratitude to Patrons and Call for Support

2min

Help keep our podcast going by contributing to our Patreon!

The Statue of Zeus at Olympia is not well remembered today. But in its time, it seared itself into the minds and memories of all who saw it. An enormous, glowering, formidable statue built into a temple of otherworldly, translucent light, it was as tall as a three-storey building. People said it crouched on its throne as if it was about to stand—and break through the roof of its temple.

Zeus’ skin glistened. Made of yards and yards of priceless hippopotamus ivory, it had to be oiled down each day so it wouldn’t crack in the heat. Yes, this was truly the sweatiest, oiliest, stickiest of all the wonders. And there’s more: curses. Lovers’ names engraved in secret places. So much daytime sex. So many naked, athletic men. THE OLYMPICS. Join us on a slightly unhinged deep dive into this truly unique wonder that once held the entire Hellenic imagination in its grip.

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Ancient History Fangirl

The Statue of Zeus at Olympia: Sweaty, Oily, and Judging You

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Preparations and Rituals at Olympia

Festivities and Entertainment at the Olympics

Orgies and Lifestyle at the Olympic Village

Women's Participation Restrictions and Unique Incidents

Ancient Roman Wardrobe Malfunctions and Women's Role at the Olympic Games

Phidias and the Magnificent Statue of Zeus at Olympia

The Legacy and Fate of the Statue of Zeus at Olympia

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Ancient History Fangirl

The Statue of Zeus at Olympia: Sweaty, Oily, and Judging You

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Preparations and Rituals at Olympia

Festivities and Entertainment at the Olympics

Orgies and Lifestyle at the Olympic Village

Women's Participation Restrictions and Unique Incidents

Ancient Roman Wardrobe Malfunctions and Women's Role at the Olympic Games

Phidias and the Magnificent Statue of Zeus at Olympia

The Legacy and Fate of the Statue of Zeus at Olympia

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