bgr_837143 - ELIS - ELIS (OLYMPIA) Drachme

ELIS - ELIA (OLYMPIA)

(IV - III century BC)

Philip II of Macedon posed as protector and champion of the sanctuary. He won the prize in the horse race in 356 BC, the day Alexander was born. Its coinage features Zeus and a horseman recalling his victory. After Alexander, the Games retained great prestige, but the city lost its strategic importance. The Olympic Games were suppressed by Theodosius I in 393 (293rd Olympiad).