An Olympic Excavation

The existence of the modern Olympic games is due in part to the efforts of one determined archaeologist. In 1875, German archaeologist Ernst Curtius realized one of his life long dreams: to excavate at the Greek site of Olympia, home of the ancient festival of Zeus. What he found there ultimately led to the re-institution of the Olympic Games. It's a rare case when an archaeological excavation influences modern culture to such an extent.

This photograph of the stadium entrance at Olympia was taken by Aschwin Prein. Aschwin's photographs were the basis of the feature Walking Tour of Olympia.