Statue of Zeus at Olympia. 1880 German engraving of people worshipping at the giant statue of Zeus at Olympia, Ancient Greece. This statue was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and stood 12 metres high inside the Temple of Zeus in Olympia. It was carved by the great sculptor Phidias and inlaid with ivory, ebony, gold and precious stones. The Olympic Games are thought to have originated in Olympia in 766 BC and had great religious importance, with contests alternating with sacrifices and ceremonies in honour of the god Zeus.