Pelops

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Pelops

Τhe founding hero

Pelops won a chariot race against the king of Pisa Oinomaos and took his daughter Hippodameia as bride. He founded the Games to atone for the death of Oinomaos. The representation of their competition occupies the east pediment of the temple of Zeus at Olympia.

East pediment of the Temple of Zeus

The pediment depicts the fundamental myth of the domination of Olympia, expressed in the dispute between Pelops and Oenomaus. According to legend, Oenomaus, king of Pisa, knew from a Delphic oracle that he would find death from the husband of his daughter Hippodameia.