Tagged: The Pelopion

The Pelopion, located at the ancient site of Olympia, Greece, was believed to be the tomb of the mythical figure Pelops. It took the form of a monument surrounded by a pentagonal structure.

During ancient times, it served as an altar for animal sacrifices, starting in Archaic Greece and continuing into the Roman era until the spread of Christianity, which led to its disuse.

The altar consisted of a mound of ashes and compacted earth, with sacrifices, particularly a black ram, taking place at its peak every year in honor of Pelops.

To reach the top of the altar, priests would carve steps into the mound. This form of altar made of packed earth was ancient and distinct from the more modern stone altars found at places like Delphi and the Acropolis of Athens.