Oxen were sacrificed to Zeus during the games, and in the mid-5th century BC, a temple was erected in the sanctuary, housing a colossal statue of the god made of wood, ivory and gold.
The ancient Olympic Games were as much a religious festival as an athletic event. Oxen were sacrificed to Zeus during the games, and in the mid-5th century BC, a temple was erected in the sanctuary, housing a colossal statue of the god made of wood, ivory and gold.