Stadium at Olympia

The Stadium at Olympia is the principal athletic arena of the sanctuary at ancient Olympia in the Peloponnese, Greece, where the ancient Olympic Games were held. Its long, narrow 600-foot track was the setting for foot races and other athletic contests and remains one of the most complete examples of an ancient Greek stadium. Archaeological remains include the track surface footprint, stone starting blocks, and spectator embankments that outline the original plan. The stadium is part of the excavated archaeological complex that also contains temples, treasuries, and other competition and ritual structures.

• Context: The stadium forms part of the broader archaeological site of Olympia and lies immediately west of the Temple of Zeus within the sanctuary.
• Track length: The competition track is approximately 192 metres long, reflecting the ancient measure of 600 Greek feet used for sprint events.

What to See #

• Running track: A marked oval track measuring about 192 metres in length, corresponding to 600 ancient Greek feet, used for foot races in the ancient Olympic Games.
• Starting line (balbis): The starting area with carved stone slabs known as the balbis, which shows grooves and impressions used to align athletes' feet at the start line.
• Spectator terraces: Spectator embankments and terraces that bounded the track on both sides and provided viewing space for spectators in antiquity; the stadium sits adjacent to the Temple of Zeus within the archaeological site.