Pelopion, Archaeological altar in Ancient Olympia, Greece.
The Pelopion is an ancient cult site at Olympia, featuring an earthen mound surrounded by a pentagonal stone wall that once enclosed a sacred precinct. The structure incorporates visible foundation stones and architectural elements that reveal how the ceremonial space was organized.
The site was established in ancient times as a shrine dedicated to the mythological hero Pelops and maintained its religious significance for centuries. Its use continued through the Roman period, making it one of the enduring sacred spaces at Olympia.
Ancient Greeks performed annual sacrifices of black rams at this altar, maintaining a connection between religious practices and mythological narratives.
The remains lie within the Altis complex alongside other ruins, so bringing a site map helps with navigation and understanding the layout. Take time to walk around the structure and observe the foundation stones from different angles to grasp its original form.
Priests carved temporary steps into the earthen mound each time they held ceremonies, creating a different path for every ritual rather than building permanent stairs. This practice reflects how the space was used in ways we might not expect from modern structures.
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