ed the stadium. Unfortunately no real excavation was done until 1973 when the University of Berkley began a large scale dig under the advisory of the American School of Classical Studies, Athens and the guidance of Stephen G Miller. The investigation began an extensive yearly excavation from 1974- 1983 and since then many smaller projects have steadily occurred. The success of the project is obvious, as there have been many improvements to Nemea since the study has begun. Firstly, the erection of a museum was done to display the many objects found throughout the excavation of ancient Nemea. Also beautiful archaeological parks have been created at the Sanctuary of Zeus as well as reconstruction of the Temple of Zeus itself. And maybe the greatest reconstruction of all, there was a reenactment of the ancient Nemean Games in 1994 to mark the opening of the stadium as an archaeological park. The games have continued every two years since and are in fact to be held June 3-4, 2000.The stadium itself, uniquely constructed by excavation of southern land while using the materials from the south end to fill in the north end thus leveling the field. The basic estimate for construction is 330 BCE and it was believed to be in use for the Games until 271 BCE where after the Romans were known to use it as grazing land. The stadium can be broken down into a few basic parts for descriptive purposes. These are the Dromos (running surface), the seating of the stadium, the Apodyterion (Locker Room), and the Krypte Esodos (tunnel). Each part with its own components and intricacies coming together to build one of the ancient worlds great festival sites.The running surface, or Dromos, of the stadium was formed in yellow clay. Prior to the event the clay was dug and rolled out to form a hard crust on the soft bed of clay. The track was 600 feet in distance marked by stone every 100 feet. A stone channel rounded the course bearing water to athletes...
