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Which myths were shown in the pediment sculptures of the Temple of Zeus?

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Map of southeastern Europe highlighting Greece and marking the location of Olympia with a red star, indicating its status as a World Heritage Site. Olympia is shown in the western part of the Peloponnese peninsula, surrounded by neighboring countries and nearby seas including the Ionian, Aegean, and Mediterranean.
Olympia Olympia was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1989.

The pediment sculptures of the Temple of Zeus at Olympia depict two distinct mythological scenes:

  • East Pediment: This gable features the preparations for the chariot race between Pelops and Oenomaus. The figures are shown in a state of sobriety and calm as they ready themselves for the competition.123
  • West Pediment: This gable depicts the battle of the Lapiths and Centaurs during the wedding of Pirithous. In contrast to the east pediment, these sculptures are noted for their intense expression of emotions such as pain, fear, and despair.13

These masterpieces of the early Classical style are attributed to an unidentified artist known as the Olympia Master.13