One of the most memorable monuments of ancient
Olympia. The altar was made almost entirely from the
ashes of animals
1 sacrificed to the
Greek god Zeus during the
Ancient Olympian Games. It is estimated to have grown to almost 7 metres in height. The mound of ashes was built upon an elliptical base, and a staircase was formed in the side of the altar to allow
priests to climb to the top. Here
they would perform the
sacrifice of one hundred
bulls in
Zeus' honour.
The altar was situated to the east of the Pelopeion (area dedicated to the hero Pelops), vaguely in the centre of the Altis (main arena). This spot marked the place where Zeus was said to have struck his thunderbolt when laying claim to Olympia.
See also: Statue of Zeus at Olympia
1more accurately, the ashes of animals' thighs.