The land that was host to the ancient Olympiads, the games that were held to honor the Olympian Gods, the chief festivities in ancient Greece, Ancient Olympia is home to one of the world’s most important archaeological sites. Thousands of visitors that arrive here from across the globe are able to uncover the true essence of the Games, whose goal and purpose was to bring out the best in each competitor. At the heart of the site and within the magnificent temple dedicated to Zeus, was the famed gold and ivory statue of the god, a work of the sculptor Phidias and one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. From the 9th century BC, Olympia was a sacred place that attracted worshipers from around the ancient world. Starting from the 8th century BC, the celebrations at Olympia became associated with the Sacred Olympic Truce, honored throughout the Greek world. In the 5th century BC, Olympia became a place where ideas were spread, with dozens of thinkers coming here to exchange ideas.