Bouleuterion of Ancient Olympia

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The Bouleuterion, or Council House, was a building inside Olympia’s archaeological site, in the sacred Altis near the Temple of Zeus. It was the home of the Elean Senate, the governing body that organized the ancient Olympic Games. The complex included two curved buildings on the west, a square hall in the middle, and an Ionic portico on the east. Construction began in the 6th century BC and was completed in the 4th century BC, with some later Roman additions. Inside stood an altar and a statue of Zeus Horkeios, where athletes swore their oath before the Games. The council handled matters such as athlete registration, choosing competitors by lot, and penalties.