Olympic Tree

The Olympic Tree

The Olympic Tree was a large wild olive tree standing atop a pedestal opposite the Temple of Zeus within the Sanctuary of Olympia in Elis, Greece.

The tree was also called Kallistefanos Elea (beautiful crown) and the Olive Tree of Zeus,

History

The olive wreaths of the winners of the Olympic Games, kotinos, were made of the branches of the Olympic Tree. The branches were cut by children using a golden sickle and then taken to the Temple of Hera where the Hellanodikai, the judges of the games, made the wreaths.

During the 428 BCE Olympics, the Spartan misthios Kassandra visited the Tree with her friend Barnabas. Kassandra was also later crowned by Leander as the winner of that year's Olympics at the Tree.

Gallery

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  Kassandra crowned victor before the Olympic Tree
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  Celebration before the Olympic Tree

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Odyssey