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Statue of Apollo
The exterior and interior sculpture carved on marble
stone in the Temple of Zeus have been highly acclaimed by people all over the world over
the decades. Some details of these sculptural ornamentation have been reproduced on the
Olympic stamps of Greece. The carvings are mainly based on Greek mythology. "The
fight of the Lapithae and the Centaurs" was the subject of 10 drachma stamp of
Greece. It shown three personages - Poirithous (King of the Lapithae), a Centaur (a
fabulous monster) and Deidameia (bride of Peirithous). Apollo stands in the centre.
According to the legend Peirithous and Centaurs had frequent violent fights with each
other. At last Apollo intervened and defeated the Centaurs. Since then it is believed that
Apollo was the protector of the sacred truce of Olympia.
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