Statue of Zeus at Olympia

The Statue of Zeus at Olympia carved by the Greek sculptor Phidias (5th century BC) in 433 BC, in what is presently Greece, was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. In 394 AD, it was probably taken to Constantinople (modern Istanbul) where it is said to have been destroyed by fire.

The statue was housed in a purpose-built temple, and it took up the whole width of the aisle. According to a contemporary source, it was about 12 metres tall. Zeus was carved from ivory and was seated on a magnificent throne made of cedarwood and inlaid with ivory, gold, ebony and precious stones. In Zeus' right hand there was a small statue of Nike, the goddess of victory, and in his left hand a shining sceptre on which an eagle perched.