THE GEOLOGICAL EVOLUTION OF
OLYMPOS
Olympos is relatively newly formed mountain. It is a rather small
mountain with a roundish shape. Before milions years ago the
biggest part of Greece was lying in a shallow sea. Today´s rocky
ground includes many elements that were formed there. Different
geological events that followed caused the emersion of whole
area.
The complex geological history of the area becomes evident from
the geomorphology of the whole mountain, wide gorges, deep ravines
(Mavrologos, Makrirema, Xerolaki, etc.) amphitheatrical glens
(small and big Kazania, small and big Gourna, Dristeia) caves und
precipices many of them are still unexplored .
The climate favours the emergence of many brooks, small seasonal
lakes and small river whose springs are in the slope of Mount
Olympos.
OLYMPOS - THE FIRST NATIONAL
PARK
In 1938, Olympos, the highest Greek mountain, the residence of the
twelve ancient gods, was the first area which was declared as a
National Park. About 50 years ago a special regime was enforced to
protect this unique part of Greece.
The aim was the preservation of the natural environment: of the
flora, fauna and natural landscapes, as well as of its cultural and
other values. Scientific research had to be supported and people
had to become aware of the environmental conditions. Furthermore
tourism had to be developed in the widerarea.
Specific laws prohibit any kind of exploitation in the east side
of the mountain, about 10 000 acres, which constitutes the core of
the National Park. The wider area around was designated as
"peripheral" zone of the National Park" so that its management
exploitation won´t affect negatively the protection of the
core.
Today, after special studies the National Park is about to be
extended to 43 000 acres. The core shall also be extended so as to
include specific areas which need rigorous protection.
Olympos is internationally known for its important ecological
characteristics and incomparable natural beauty as well as for its
strong realtionship with ancienit Greek mythology. The importace of
the National Park has been recognized not only in Greece and Europe
but all over the world. In 1981 UNESCO declared "Olympos a
Biosphere Reserve". The European Community has included Olympos in
the list of "the Most Important Bird areas of the European
Community".
The designation of Olympos as a National Park was a good
beginning. Today there are ten National Parks all over the country
which include an excellent variety of biotopes and a unique
collection of wild life.
MYTHOLOGY - HISTORY
The shape of Olympos, the polymorphous and changeable beauty of
its nature, the fog covered peaks and low clouds causing frequent
storms filled people with awe and admiration since ancienit times.
There are recent archeological finds that go back to the Iron Age.
Prehistoric man chose to live at the foot of this glorious
mountain. Inspired by its mystery he created the legends that gave
birth to the Twelve Greek Gods.
The twelve gods live in ravines - the mysterious folds of Olympos -
according to Homer. They have their palaces there. Pantheon (today´
s Mytikas) is their meeting place. Their tempestuous discussions
are heard by the god of gods Zeus sitting on his imposing throne
(today´ s Stefani). From there he unlooses his thunders to show his
godly wrath. In Iliad Olympos is described as magnificent long
glorious and full of trees.
Olympian Gods and Goddesses
ZEUS:
The most powerful of all, Zeus was god of the sky and the king of
Olympos. His temper affected the weather, and he threw thunderbolts
when he was unhappy. He was married to Hera but had many other
lovers. His symbols include the oak and the thunderbolt
HERA:
Hera was goddess of marriage and the queen of Olympos. She was
Zeus's wife and sister; many myths tell of how she sought revenge
when Zeus betrayed her with his lovers. Her symbols include the
peacock and the cow.
POSEIDON
Poseidon was god of the sea. He was the most powerful god except
for his brother, Zeus. He lived in a beautiful palace under the sea
and caused earthquakes when he was in a temper. His symbols include
the horse and the trident (a three-pronged pitchfork).
HADES
Hades was king of the dead. He lived in the underworld, the
heavily guarded land where he ruled over the dead. He was the
brother of Zeus and the husband of Persephone, Demeter's daughter,
whom he kidnapped.
APHRODITE
Aphrodite was the goddess of love and beauty, and the protector of
sailors. She may have been the daughter of Zeus and the Titan
Dione, or she may have risen from the sea on a shell. Her symbols
include the myrtle tree and the dove.
APOLLO
Apollo was the god of music and healing. He was also an archer,
and hunted with a silver bow. Apollo was the son of Zeus and the
Titan Leto, and the twin of Artemis. His symbols include the laurel
tree, the crow, and the dolphin.
ARES
Ares was the god of war. He was both cruel and a coward. Ares was
the son of Zeus and Hera, but neither of his parents liked him. His
symbols include the vulture and the dog, and he often carried a
bloody spear.
ARTEMIS
Artemis was the goddess of the hunt and the protector of women in
childbirth. She hunted with silver arrows and loved all wild
animals. Artemis was the daughter of Zeus and Leto, and the twin of
Apollo. Her symbols include the cypress tree and the deer
.
ARTHENA
Athena was the goddess of wisdom. She was also skilled in the art
of war, and helped heroes such as Odysseus and Hercules. Athena
sprang full-grown from the forehead of Zeus, and became his
favorite child. Her symbols include the owl and the olive tree.
HEPHAESTUS
Hephaestus was the god of fire and the forge (a furnace in which
metal is heated). Although he made armor and weapons for the gods,
he loved peace. He was the son of Zeus and Hera and married
Aphrodite. His symbols include the anvil and the forge
HESTIA
Hestia was the goddess of the hearth (a fireplace at the center of
the home). She was the most gentle of the gods, and does not play a
role in many myths. Hestia was the sister of Zeus and the oldest of
the Olympians. Fire is among her symbols.
HERMES
Hermes was the messenger god, a trickster, and a friend to
thieves. He was said to have invented boxing and gymnastics. He was
the son of Zeus and the constellation Maia. The speediest of all,
he wore winged sandals and a winged hat and carried a magic wand
also sometimes included
DEMETER
Demeter was the goddess of the harvest. The word "cereal" comes
from her Roman name. She was the sister of Zeus. Her daughter,
Persephone, was forced to live with Hades each winter; at this time
Demeter let no crops grow. Her symbols include wheat.
DIONYSUS
Dionysus was the god of wine, which he invented. In ancient Greece
Dionysus was honored with springtime festivals that centered on
theater. Dionysus was the son of Zeus and Semele, a mortal. His
symbols include ivy, the snake, and grapes.
This cache will lead you directly to the top of one of the
highest Mt. Olympos peaks - Skala (2866 m over sea) which is also
one of the most visited peaks in Olympos mountain and the crossroad
to highes peak Mytikas 2918 m or Skolio 2912 m.
If you want to continue further and enjoy the ascent to Mytikas
you have to climb down to the ravine between Skala and Mytikas and
following the red markings ascend toward the peak. Once you reach
the top don´t forget to sign to the guest book.
During your trip to Mount Olympos you will see information
boards that guide you through geological evolution of Mount Olympos
and lot more useful and interesting facts from its geomorphology,
history, flora, fauna and mythology.
Please read them carefully to answer following questions required
to log your visit:
1. What is an approximate age of Olympos mountain?
2. Describe what happened in geological evolution of Olympos
mountain about 1 000 000 years ago.
3. What is the name of small Mt.Olympos river, where it springs
and where is its estuary?
4. How many peaks totally whole Mountain consists of?
5. What is the name of the lowest peak and the height?
Furthermore, add 2 photographs of yourself at the peak
of "Skala" 2866 m to the log according to the enclosed photo, first
with "Mytikas" in the background, second one with "Skolio". Send
your answers to:
vderzak@hotmail.com with
the subject "Olympos". DO NOT LOG IN BEFORE YOU GET AN
APPROVAL EMAIL !.