Definition

Proper noun A specific, monumental seated statue depicting Zeus, the king of the gods in ancient Greek mythology. This statue was the cult image created for the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, Greece. It was approximately 40 feet (about 12 meters) tall and was placed upon a base that was 12 feet (about 3.6 meters) high.

Usage

This term refers specifically to the statue, not the god himself in a general sense. It is a historical and artistic reference to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. * The Olympian Zeus, crafted by the sculptor Phidias, was adorned with gold and ivory. * Historians study descriptions of the Olympian Zeus because the original statue was lost in antiquity.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used metonymically to refer to the Temple of Zeus at Olympia itself, due to the statue's defining presence.
  • Pilgrims traveled great distances to see the Olympian Zeus.

Variants and Related Words

• Statue of Zeus at Olympia: A more descriptive, alternate name for the same artifact.
• Chryselephantine statue: A term describing statues made of gold and ivory, like the Olympian Zeus.
• Cult statue: The central religious image in a temple, which the Olympian Zeus was.

Synonyms

• The Zeus of Olympia
• Phidias's Zeus

Notes on Meaning

It is critical to distinguish this term: 1. Olympian Zeus (Proper Noun): The specific statue, as defined above. 2. Zeus, who is Olympian (Descriptive Phrase): Refers to the god Zeus whose dwelling place was Mount Olympus. This is a general characteristic, not a reference to the statue. * Incorrect usage for the statue: "We prayed to the Olympian Zeus for victory." (This ambiguously refers to the god). * Correct usage for the statue: "The Olympian Zeus was one of the tallest statues of the ancient world."

Noun

1. a seated statue of the supreme god of ancient Greek mythology created for the temple at Olympia; the statue was 40 feet tall and rested on a base that was 12 feet high