Gymnasion of Olympia, Archaeological gymnasium from Ancient Greece in Ancient Olympia, Greece
The Gymnasion of Olympia is an ancient training complex in Greece consisting of courtyards, exercise halls, and covered porticoes. The remains show a central courtyard surrounded by buildings arranged in a rectangular plan.
The complex was built during the Hellenistic period and served for centuries as a training facility for Olympic participants. It remained in use until 393 AD when ancient games ended.
The name comes from the Greek word "gymnos" meaning naked, as athletes trained unclothed in this space. Visitors can see the layout of the halls where this daily training ritual took place.
The site is part of the Olympia excavation area and can be visited with an archaeological site ticket. Good paths lead through the ruins, but shaded areas are limited so visitors need protection during hot days.
Among the ruins lies a well-preserved ancient swimming pool, showing that athletes did more than weight and spear training. This water basin reveals the Greeks used cross-training methods long ago.
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