Mount Olympus l Mythical Masterpiece

Mount Olympus Facts

This majestic creation of time and natural geological forces most frequently goes by the english language name of Mount Olympus. Yet, this remarkable site previously held at least one other title in the distant past. Though no longer used, it once held the tag of Mount Belus.
Not surprisingly, the utterly imposing natural marvel additionally holds yet another moniker. That’s the name given to it in the native language of the region in which it formed. In that tongue, the impressive construction of Nature holds the designation of Όλυμπος.
It’s currently unknown when prehistoric humans first encountered the fabulous mountain itself. Archaeological evidence does indicate, however, that humans first entered its general area approximately 210,000 years ago. It’s thus likely they soon learned of its existence.
The breathtaking Mount Olympus holds an extremely special place in the history and culture of its region. It also holds an amazing array of life. Due to these factors, it became a National Park in 1938. The site was also later named as an important World Biosphere Reserve.
These special statuses serve to provide the wondrous site with a certain degree of protection from the depredations of man. Authorities thus take great care to maintain its natural state. Its sheer popularity with tourists, though, creates difficulties with preserving that condition.

Mount Olympus Physical Description

The magnificent Mount Olympus understandably catches the eye and attention of all those fortunate enough to visit the site. Yet, this true wonder of Nature doesn’t simply do so for a single reason. That’s true since it also holds numerous attributes to appeal to the viewer.

Incredibly, this marvel of geology isn’t just a single peak. Instead, the mountain presents an astounding total of 52 peaks to those who look closely. These vary in height, of course. The tallest of them, however, bears the name of Mytikas. This peak stands an impressive 9,573 ft (2,918 m).

Another feature it holds, though, contrasts with these in an almost unbelievable manner. That’s due to the fact that the amazing mountain also plays host to numerous deep gorges. Some of these features possess relatively mild slopes, while the walls of many others have steeply inclined sides.

But these aren’t the only geological qualities of this location that garner their share of attention, however. The sheer scale and grandeur of the mesmerizing site also generally impresses the visitor. It’s not only massive, but it also ranks as one of the highest peaks on the continent it sits on.

At its broad base, the beautiful Mount Olympus has a circumference totaling approximately 50 mi (80 km)! An average diameter here equals 16 mi (26 km). Perhaps even more astonishing is the total area it contains, though. Amazingly, this measures a remarkable 190 sq mi (500 sq km).

Mount Olympus Location, Formation, and Ecology

The unforgettable and culturally important Mount Olympus formed in a region of the world already well known for its extraordinary abundance of similar wonders. That’s due to the fact that Nature created the true masterpiece of geography and geology on the lovely continent of Europe.

Within the borders of the continent, the mountain sits inside the national borders of the ancient country of Greece. It’s placement further situates it approximately 50 mi (80 km) southwest of Thessaloniki. It’s also roughly on the border between the two regions of Macedonia and Thessaly.

The origins of this magical creation of Nature reaches back to roughly an astounding 200 million years ago. At that time, sediment was deposited in a shallow sea present at the time. The ensuing ages saw countless more layers added, with the resulting pressures creating the hardened stone.

The slow yet inexorable process of uplift eventually pushed it upward. Then, around 1 million years ago, based on evidence, large glaciers covered the region, with their movements carving out its many depressions and plateaus. Later melting formed even more of its features, however.

Overall, the stunning Mount Olympus possesses a roughly Mediterranean climate. This therefore allows for the support of a thriving ecosystem. In fact, it boasts one of the greatest concentrations of flora in the entire country it sits in. Roughly 1,700 plant species and subspecies appear here.

This grouping includes a surprisingly large number of tree varieties, including the lovely Strawberry Tree and the Bosnian Pine. Alpine meadows also harbor a very wide array of different species of grasses and wildflowers. Of these, in fact, 23 of them appear nowhere else in the entire world.

Animals live here in mind-boggling numbers, too, though larger one’s no longer do so. This includes various mammals, such as squirrels and foxes. A total of 108 species of birds also call the mountain home. Numerous smaller reptiles and amphibians share the same beautiful habitat, as well.