Almost coming alive to grasp for air through the smoke, a winged statue of victory stands surrounded by wildfires that nearly destroyed the site of the ancient Olympic Games in southwestern Greece.
Ancient Olympia seems to have weathered time as well as the raging destructive fires that have cost more than 60 lives in Greece. The 2,800-year-old site is the holiest sanctuary in ancient Greece. It was here that the first Olympic Games were played in 776 B.C. Firefighters were finally able to beat the raging flames, even as the outside of the museum housing antiquities was singed.
The fires scorched most of the trees and hills at the ancient Olympic stadium.
Six planes, 2 helicopters, 15 fire engines, and 45 firefighters participated in the effort. The worst affected area is the southern Peloponnese peninsula, where 23 villages were evacuated
Now the race is on to save other great historical monuments as more than 200 fires continue to rage in different parts of Europe. 2,500-year-old Temple of Apollo Epikourios, a marble ruin on Greece’s southern peninsula last reported to be some 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from the fire line.
It is believed that the fires were set intentionally, a U.S. $1.4 million reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the arsonists.
Seven people were charged with starting blazes deliberately or through negligence.
Source: National Geographic
