Zanes

The Zanes are a row of bronze statues standing at the edge of the stadium in the ancient site of Olympia. The figures depict the god Zeus and rest on stone bases that line the path used by competitors.

The statues were created during the Classical era after athletes violated the rules of the Olympic Games. The number of sculptures grew over several centuries because a new statue was erected with each new case of cheating.

The sculptures were paid for with fines collected from athletes who cheated during competition. Each base carried the name of the offender and his home city, so visitors from across the Greek world saw who had broken the rules.

The sculptures sit at the entrance to the stadium, on the right as you approach from the main excavation area. The stone bases remain visible even though most of the bronze statues have been lost over time.

Some of the bases still carry readable inscriptions that contain warnings written in verse. The verses reminded future competitors that money cannot buy victory at the games.

Location: Ancient Olympia Municipality

Inception: 4 century BCE

Made from material: stone, bronze

Part of: Olympia, ancient Olympic Games

GPS coordinates: 37.63889,21.63139

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:28