Stanhope, John Spencer: Olympia or topography illustrative of the actual state of the plain of Olympia and of the ruins of the city of Elis (London, 1824)

the Third Class of the Institute of France, a memoir, in which he declared,
that the " Hippodrome, where such brilliant horse and chariot races were
exhibited, had been discovered." An assertion so positive, by one who was
then looked up to as an oracle on every point regarding Greece, was
considered as decisive. Did I not, therefore, at once protest against that
being admitted as a fact, which is in reality a mere hypothesis, I should
appear too inattentive to the subject under discussion. Before, however, I
enter upon this inquiry, I will, in order to enable my readers to form an
impartial judgment, lay before them M. Fauvel's description of Olympia;
as, on his report, M. de Choiseul founded his theory. It will serve also to
render them more fully acquainted with the country I am endeavouring to
describe*.

* I cannot allude to the distinguished name of Fauvcl, without embracing the opportunity of renewing
my thanks for the multiplied kindnesses I received from him at Athens; and, however I may differ from him on
a point of much classical obscurity, 1 should he the last person not to acknowledge in common with my
countrymen, the valuable attentions for which we are all so much indebted.