Olympia during the Hellenistic period (3rd-1st century BC)
In the end of the 4th century BC, after the battle of Chaeronea (338 BC),  Philip II erected his family monument in Olympia, the Philippeion. The Macedonian king and later his son, Alexander III the Great, honoured the sanctuary of Olympia by offering rich gifts
The tallest building on the site, the Leonidaion, was erected on the southwest edge of the sanctuary. Dedicated by the architect Leonidas of Naxos, it dates from around 330 BC and it was where the official guests were hosted. Externally it was decorated by four Ionic colonnades with 138 columns. Inside the building there was a central Doric peristyle with 44 columns.
The Olympic Games became an athletic event of major importance during the period of Alexander's successors. Additional athletic facilities were built, such as the Palaestra, the Gymnasium and the Baths, which satisfied the needs of the numerous athletes that came here to compete in the Games.
Built in the 3rd century BC, the Palaestra was probably dedicated by a Hellenistic king. It was the area where thousands of boxers, wrestlers and jumpers trained. Its almost square interior was surrounded by colonnades. It consisted of changing rooms, oiling rooms, the arena, baths and halls with benches for athletes who attended lectures.
The Gymnasium was erected in the 2nd century BC on the north side of the Palaestra. Here as well the central open area was surrounded by four long colonnades. The double colonnade, from north to west, was probably used for training. Here, the athletes exercised in javelin, discus and running. Its monumental entrance, in the form of an amphiprostyle Corinthian portico, lay on the southeast corner.
The Baths were built in 300 BC near Kladeus river, replacing the older baths of the Classical period. In 200 BC an arched passageway was erected to link the entrance of the Stadium with the area of the Altis. In 100 BC the Baths were renovated.
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