Tours: The Temple of Zeus in Cyrene

Learn about the Temple of Zeus, in Cyrene.
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|-|The Temple of Zeus=
thumb|250px|Archaelogical Site of Cyrene (Libya) [Detail] / 2003
Facing east towards the rising sun stands the temple dedicated to the cult of Zeus. It was built sometime in the 5th century BCE.
Seventy meters long with forty-six Doric-style columns, the imposing structure was the largest Greek temple erected in Africa. It was only slightly larger than the Parthenon, and the Temple of Zeus in Olympia.
|-|Doric Architecture=
thumb|250px|Archaelogical Site of Cyrene (Libya) [Detail] / 2007
The exterior was designed with the decorative elements common to Doric architecture.
The dimensions of the columns were different, giving visitors an impression of uniqueness when viewing each façade.
|-|Corinthian Columns=
thumb|250px|Corinthian capital / 2nd Century
After the temple was destroyed during the , Emperor Hadrian had it reconstructed. He chose not to rebuild the outer portico, but did restore the new Corinthian columns in marble.
The temple was later completed under Marcus Aurelius.
|-|Imitation of the Olympian Zeus=
thumb|250px|Archaelogical Site of Cyrene (Libya) [Detail] / 2003
In the time of Augustus, a faithful but smaller imitation of the Olympian Zeus was used to be worshiped.
Hadrian then installed a new 12-meter high statue matching the Zeus in Olympia. It was made of chiseled marble with the head, arms and feet carved in the round.
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|-|Using a Zeus-Ammon Statue=
thumb|250px|Zeus Ammon on a throne / Hellenistic Period
(Behind the Scenes)Archeologists confirm that there was a monumental statue of Zeus in this temple, though experts remain divided on whether it was one of Zeus, or one more specific to the cult of Zeus-Ammon.
The team elected to place a statue of Zeus-Ammon in this location, knowing that Cyrene was central to the spread of this cult in the Greek Mediterranean area.
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Category:Discovery Tour: Ancient Egypt