The Temple of Olympian Zeus, also known as the Olympians or the Pillars of Olympus Zeus, is a former colossal temple in the center of the Greek capital, Athens, dedicated to the "Olympic" Zeus, a name derived from his position as chief of the Olympian gods. This temple was built over several centuries, starting in 174 BC, and finally completed by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in 131 AD, and is distinguished by its long columns that made it one of the largest temples built in the ancient world.