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The Olympic Games were held in a purpose-built sanctuary and sports complex in the western Peloponnese, called Olympia. Never a true city, with no citizens or government, it was nevertheless a thriving place with restaurants, a meeting hall and accommodation. And, of course, it had vast sporting facilities including a 40,000-seater stadium, a hippodrome for horse races and a large gymnasium.
At the centre of Olympia was a sacred precinct called the Altis. At the heart of this stood a breathtaking temple, containing a magnificent 40ft statue of Zeus by Phidias, which was one of the seven wonders of the world.
Even today, the Olympic flame is lit from the Temple of Hera at Olympia before it begins its journey around the world.
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