9:00 AM: Starting day 2 at the Temple of Zeus! Use your combo ticket to get in!

**How did Zeus become the father of Gods? Did you know that one of the continents was named after one of his adventures? ** The Temple of Olympian Zeus is a remarkable ancient temple in the center of Athens, dedicated to the Greek god "Olympian" Zeus. Built in the 6th century BC by the Athenian tyrants, it was intended to be the largest temple in the world - and for good reason!

The completed temple boasted 104 colossal columns, and a breathtakingly ornate Chryselephantine statue of Zeus that occupied the cella. This structure became renowned as the largest temple in Greece and housed one of the greatest cult statues in the entire ancient world.

After centuries of construction and restorations by various powerful rulers, the temple finally met its completion in 131 AD by Roman Emperor Hadrian. Sadly, it fell into disuse after being pillaged during a barbarian invasion in 267 AD - a short-lived glory indeed!

Today, 16 of the original gigantic columns remain and it stands as part of a very important archaeological site in Greece. Marvel at this ancient wonder of architecture today!