Archaeological Site of Delphi*
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Type	Cultural
Criteria	i, ii, iii, iv, vi
Reference	393
Region†	Europe and North America
Inscription history
Inscription	1987  (11th Session)
* Name as inscribed on World Heritage List. † Region as classified by UNESCO.

Delphi (Greek Δελφοί, [ðe̞lˈfi]) (pronounce^[1] and dialectal forms ^[2]) is an archaeological site and a modern town in Greece on the south-western spur of Mount Parnassus in the valley of Phocis. A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a site (such as a Forest, Mountain, Lake, Desert, Monument, Building, complex A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a site (such as a Forest, Mountain, Lake, Desert, Monument, Building, complex This is a list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe. Asia Minor, Cyprus, all of the Aegean Islands, the Canaries A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a site (such as a Forest, Mountain, Lake, Desert, Monument, Building, complex Greek (el ελληνική γλώσσα or simply el ελληνικά — "Hellenic" is an Indo-European language, spoken today by 15-22 million people mainly Ancient Greek, in Classical antiquity before the development of the Koiné (κοινή as the Lingua franca of Hellenism, was divided Archaeology, archeology, or archæology (from Greek grc ἀρχαιολογία archaiologia – grc ἀρχαῖος archaīos Greece (Ελλάδα transliterated: Elláda, historically, Ellás,) officially the Hellenic Republic (Ελληνική Δημοκρατία Mythology Mount Parnassus is named after Parnassos the son of the Nymph Kleodora and the man Kleopompus. Phocis ( Greek, Modern: Φωκίδα foˈkiða Ancient / Katharevousa: Φωκίς foˈkis is an ancient district and a modern prefecture Delphi was the site of the Delphic oracle, most important oracle in the classical Greek world, and it was a major site for the worship of the god Apollo. PYTHIA is a computer simulation program for particle collisions at very high energies (see Event (particle physics) in Particle accelerators An oracle is a person or agency considered to be a source of wise counsel or prophetic opinion an Infallible authority usually spiritual in nature His sacred precinct in Delphi was a Panhellenic sanctuary, where every four years athletes from all over the Greek world competed in the Pythian Games, the precursor to the Olympic Games. The Pythian Games (Delphic Games were one of the four Panhellenic Games of Ancient Greece, a forerunner of the modern Olympic Games, held every four The Olympic Games is an international Multi-sport event established for both summer and winter games

Delphi was revered throughout the Greek world as the site of the omphalos stone, the centre of the earth and the universe. An omphalos is an ancient religious stone artifact, or Baetylus. EARTH was a short-lived Japanese vocal trio which released 6 singles and 1 album between 2000 and 2001 In the inner hestia ("hearth") of the Temple of Apollo, an eternal flame burned. An eternal flame is a flame or torch that burns constantly The flame that burned constantly at Delphi, was an archaic feature "alien to the ordinary Greek temple" After the battle of Plataea, the Greek cities extinguished their fires and brought new fire from the hearth of Greece, at Delphi; in the foundation stories of several Greek colonies, the founding colonists were first dedicated at Delphi. The Battle of Plataea was the final major Battle of the Greco-Persian Wars in southern Greece. ^[3]

Location

Delphi(left center) is north of the Gulf of Corinth in central Greece. The Gulf of Corinth or the Corinthian Gulf is a deep inlet of the Ionian Sea separating the Peloponnese from western mainland Greece. Greece (Ελλάδα transliterated: Elláda, historically, Ellás,) officially the Hellenic Republic (Ελληνική Δημοκρατία

Delphi is located in lower central Greece, on multiple plateau/terraces along the slope of Mount Parnassus, and includes the Sanctuary of Apollo, the site of the ancient Oracle. Mythology Mount Parnassus is named after Parnassos the son of the Nymph Kleodora and the man Kleopompus. An oracle is a person or agency considered to be a source of wise counsel or prophetic opinion an Infallible authority usually spiritual in nature This semicircular spur is known as Phaedriades, and overlooks the Pleistos Valley. In Greece, the Phaedriades ("the shining ones" were the pair of cliffs ca 700 m high on the lower southern slope of Mt Southwest of Delphi, about 15 km (9. 5 mi) away, is the harbor-city of Kirrha on the Corinthian Gulf. Kirra (in Greek, Κίρρα) is a village in Phocis, central Greece. The Gulf of Corinth or the Corinthian Gulf is a deep inlet of the Ionian Sea separating the Peloponnese from western mainland Greece.

Dedication to Apollo

Main article: Apollo

The name Delphoi starts with the same four letters as δελφύς delphus, "womb" and may indicate archaic veneration of Gaia, Grandmother Earth, and the Earth Goddess at the site. Gaia (ˈgeɪə or /ˈgaɪə/ (" land " or " Earth " from the Ancient Greek Γαîα also Gæa or Gea EARTH was a short-lived Japanese vocal trio which released 6 singles and 1 album between 2000 and 2001 Gaia (ˈgeɪə or /ˈgaɪə/ (" land " or " Earth " from the Ancient Greek Γαîα also Gæa or Gea Apollo is connected with the site by his epithet Δελφίνιος Delphinios, "the Delphinian. An epithet (from Greek ἐπίθετον - epitheton, neut of ἐπίθετος - epithetos, "attributed added" is a " The epithet is connected with dolphins (Greek δελφίς,-ῖνος) in the Homeric Hymn to Apollo (line 400), recounting the legend of how Apollo first came to Delphi in the shape of a dolphin, carrying Cretan priests on his back. Dolphins are Marine mammals that are closely related to Whales and Porpoises There are almost forty species of dolphin in seventeen genera. The thirty-three anonymous Homeric Hymns celebrating individual gods are a collection of ancient Greek Hymns "Homeric" in the sense that they employ the Crete ( Greek: Κρήτη transliteration: Krētē, modern transliteration Kriti) is the largest of the Greek islands and the The Homeric name of the oracle is Pytho (Πυθώ). Homer ( Ancient Greek:, Homēros) is a legendary ancient Greek epic Poet, traditionally said to be the author of the epic poems the ^[4]

Another legend held that Apollo walked to Delphi from the north and stopped at Tempe, a city in Thessaly to pick laurel, a plant sacred to him (generally known in English as the bay tree). Thessalia redirects here For the Butterfly Genus, see Thessalia (butterfly. The Bay Laurel ( Laurus nobilis, Lauraceae) also known as True Laurel, Sweet Bay, Grecian Laurel, Laurel, or In commemoration of this legend, the winners at the Pythian Games received a wreath of laurel (bay leaves) picked in Tempe. The Pythian Games (Delphic Games were one of the four Panhellenic Games of Ancient Greece, a forerunner of the modern Olympic Games, held every four

The Temple of Apollo, viewed from below the eastern end.

View of the mountain-top stadium of the Delphi sanctuary, used for the Pythian Games. The Pythian Games (Delphic Games were one of the four Panhellenic Games of Ancient Greece, a forerunner of the modern Olympic Games, held every four The stone steps/seats at right were added under the Romans.

Delphi became the site of a major temple to Phoebus Apollo, as well as the Pythian Games and the famous prehistoric oracle. The Pythian Games (Delphic Games were one of the four Panhellenic Games of Ancient Greece, a forerunner of the modern Olympic Games, held every four Even in Roman times, hundreds of votive statues remained, described by Pliny the Younger and seen by Pausanias. Gaius Plinius Caecilius Secundus, born Gaius Caecilius or Gaius Caecilius Cilo (61/63 - ca Pausanias ( Greek:) was a Greek traveller and Geographer of the 2nd century CE, who lived in the times of Hadrian, Antoninus Supposedly carved into the temple were three phrases: γνῶθι σεαυτόν (gnothi seauton = "know thyself") and μηδὲν ἄγαν (meden agan = "nothing in excess"), as well as a large letter E. Epsilon (uppercase Ε, lowercase ε; Έψιλον is the fifth letter of the Greek alphabet, corresponding phonetically to a Close-mid front unrounded ^[5] Among other things epsilon signifies the number 5. This article discusses the number five. For the year 5 AD see 5. Plutarch's essay on the meaning of the “E at Delphi" is the only literary source for the inscription. Lucius Mestrius Plutarchus ( Greek: Μέστριος Πλούταρχος c

From a late myth that deviates from much older ones, when young, Apollo killed the chthonic serpent Python, named Pythia in older myths, but according to some later accounts his wife, Pythia, who lived beside the Castalian Spring, according to some because Python had attempted to rape Leto while she was pregnant with Apollo and Artemis. Serpent is a word of Latin origin (from serpens serpentis "something that creeps snake" that is commonly used in a specifically mythic or In Greek mythology Python, serpent, was the earth-dragon of Delphi, always represented in sculpture and vase-paintings as a serpent. PYTHIA is a computer simulation program for particle collisions at very high energies (see Event (particle physics) in Particle accelerators The Castalian Spring, in the Ravine between the Phaedriades at Delphi, is where all visitors to Delphi &mdash the contestants in the Pythian Games Lētṓ ( Greek:, Λ&alphaτώ, Lato in Dorian Greek etymology and meaning disputed in Greek mythology, is a daughter of In Greek mythology, Artemis language|Greek] ( Nominative), ( Genitive))] was the daughter of Zeus and Leto, and the twin sister The bodies of the pair were draped around his Rod, which, with the wings created the caduceus symbolic of the god. The caduceus (/kəˈdjuːsiəs/ -ʃəs -ˈduː- κηρύκειον in Greek) or wand of Hermes is typically depicted as a short herald's staff This spring flowed toward the temple but disappeared beneath, creating a cleft which emitted vapors that caused the Oracle at Delphi to give her prophecies. Apollo killed Python but had to be punished for it, since she was a child of Gaia. The shrine dedicated to Apollo was originally dedicated to Gaia and then, possibly to Poseidon. In Greek mythology, Poseidon ( Greek:; Latin: Neptūnus) was the god of the Sea and as "Earth-Shaker" The name Pythia remained as the title of the Delphic Oracle. PYTHIA is a computer simulation program for particle collisions at very high energies (see Event (particle physics) in Particle accelerators An oracle is a person or agency considered to be a source of wise counsel or prophetic opinion an Infallible authority usually spiritual in nature As punishment for this murder Apollo was sent to serve in menial tasks for eight years. A festival, the Septeria, was performed annually portraying the slaying of the serpent, the flight, the atonement and the return of the God. The Pythian Games took place every four years to commemorate his victory [1].

Erwin Rohde wrote that the Python was an earth spirit, who was conquered by Apollo, and buried under the Omphalos, and that it is a case of one deity setting up a temple on the grave of another. Erwin Rohde ( October 9, 1845 &ndash January 11, 1898) was one of the great German classical scholars of the 19th and early 20th centuries In Greek mythology Python, serpent, was the earth-dragon of Delphi, always represented in sculpture and vase-paintings as a serpent. An omphalos is an ancient religious stone artifact, or Baetylus. ^[6] Another view holds that Apollo was a fairly recent addition to the Greek pantheon coming originally from Lydia. A pantheon (from Greek Πάνθειον - pantheion, literally "a temple of all gods " neut Defining Lydia Aside from a legend related by Herodotus, who states that the name Lydia came from king Lydus at the time of the fall of Troy The Etruscans coming from northern Anatolia also worshiped Apollo, and it may be that he was originally identical with Mesopotamian Aplu, an Akkadian title meaning "son", originally given to the plague God Nergal, son of Enlil. Etruscan civilization is the modern English name given to the culture and way of life of a people of ancient Italy Anatolia (Anadolu Ανατολία Anatolía) or Asia minor, comprising most of modern Turkey, is the geographic region bounded by the Black Mesopotamian mythology is the collective name given to Sumerian Akkadian Assyrian and Babylonian mythologies from the land between the Tigris The name Nergal (or Nirgal, Nirgali) refers to a Deity in Babylonia with the main seat Enlil ( EN = Lord + LIL = Loft "Lord of the Open" or "Lord of the Wind" was the name of a chief deity listed and written about in ancient Sumerian Apollo Smintheus (Greek Απόλλων Σμινθεύς), the mouse killer^[7] eliminates mice, a primary cause of disease, hence he promotes preventive medicine.

Oracle

Main article: Pythia

Delphic Pythia sitting on a tripod, attended by a supplicant. PYTHIA is a computer simulation program for particle collisions at very high energies (see Event (particle physics) in Particle accelerators Note the low ceiling that causes the Delphic oracle to stoop, the hollow floor and the column between Pythia and the supplicant.

Delphi is perhaps best-known for the oracle at the sanctuary that became dedicated to Apollo during the classical period. An oracle is a person or agency considered to be a source of wise counsel or prophetic opinion an Infallible authority usually spiritual in nature It had origins in prehistoric times and the worship of Gaia. Gaia (ˈgeɪə or /ˈgaɪə/ (" land " or " Earth " from the Ancient Greek Γαîα also Gæa or Gea in the last quarter of the 8th century BC there is a steady increase of artifacts found at the settlement site in Delphi. The 8th century BC started the first day of 800 BC and ended the last day of 701 BC. Pottery and bronze work as well as tripod dedications continue in a steady stream, in comparison to Olympia. Olympia ( Greek: Olympí'a or Olýmpia, older transliterations Olimpia, Olimbia) a sanctuary of ancient Greece Neither the range of objects nor the presence of prestigious dedications proves that Delphi was a focus of attention for worshipers of a wide range, but the strong representation of high value goods, found in no other mainland sanctuary, certainly encourages that view.

The priestess of the oracle at Delphi was known as the Pythia. PYTHIA is a computer simulation program for particle collisions at very high energies (see Event (particle physics) in Particle accelerators Apollo spoke through his oracle, who had to be an older woman of blameless life chosen from among the peasants of the area. The sibyl or prophetess took the name Pythia and sat on a tripod seat over an opening in the earth. When Apollo slew Python, its body fell into this fissure, according to legend, and fumes arose from its decomposing body. Intoxicated by the vapors, the sibyl would fall into a trance, allowing Apollo to possess her spirit. In this state she prophesied. Later, it was found that a gas came out of this opening that is known to produce violent trances. She spoke in riddles, which were interpreted by the priests of the temple, and people consulted her on everything from important matters of public policy to personal affairs.

H. W. Parke writes that the foundation of Delphi and its oracle took place before the times of recorded history and its origins are obscure, but dating to the worship of the Great Goddess, Gaia. Gaia (ˈgeɪə or /ˈgaɪə/ (" land " or " Earth " from the Ancient Greek Γαîα also Gæa or Gea ^[8]

The Oracle exerted considerable influence throughout the Greek world, and she was consulted before all major undertakings: wars, the founding of colonies, and so forth. She also was respected by the semi-Hellenic countries around the Greek world, such as Lydia, Caria, and even Egypt. Defining Lydia Aside from a legend related by Herodotus, who states that the name Lydia came from king Lydus at the time of the fall of Troy Municipalities of Caria Cramer's detailed catalog of Carian towns in Classical Greece is based entirely on ancient sources Ancient Egypt was an Ancient Civilization in eastern North Africa, concentrated along the lower reaches of the Nile River in what is now

For a list of some of the most noted oracular pronouncements of the Pythia, go to Famous Oracular Statements from Delphi.

The Oracle benefited by the Macedonian Kings. Later it was placed under the protection of the Aetolians. After a brief period the Romans started to emerge, who even protected it from a dangerous barbarian invasion in 109 B. C. and 105 B. C. A major reorganization was initiated which was interrupted by the wars of Mithridatic Wars and Sulla who took many rich offerings from the Oracle. There were three Mithridatic Wars between Rome and Pontus in the first century BC Lucius Cornelius Sulla Felix ( Latin: L•CORNELIVS•L•F•P•N•SVLLA•FELIX (c Barbarian invasions were the direct cause of harm, burning the Temple, which was damaged severely by the earthquake in 83 B. C. Ever since the Oracle fell in decay and the whole area in great poverty. The small population led to difficulties in finding the right people to fill the posts required. Its credibility waned due to doubtful predictions. When Nero came to Greece in 66 A. Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus ( December 15, 37 – June 9, 68) born Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus, also called D. , he took away over 500 of the best statues from Delphi to Rome. Subsequent Roman emperors from the Flavian dynasty contributed significantly towards its restoration. The Flavian dynasty was a Roman imperial Dynasty, which ruled the Roman Empire between 69 and 96 AD encompassing the reigns of Vespasian (69&ndash79 Hadrian offered complete autonomy. Publius Aelius Hadrianus (January 24 76 &ndash July 10 138 as emperor Imperator Caesar Divi Traiani filius Traianus Hadrianus Augustus, and Divus Hadrianus after Also Plutarch was a significant factor by his presence as a chief priest. Lucius Mestrius Plutarchus ( Greek: Μέστριος Πλούταρχος c However, barbarian raids during the reign of Marcus Aurelius and removal of statues and other riches (practically looting) by Constantine the Great caused it to decay. Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus (often referred to as "the wise" ( April 26, 121 – March 17, 180) was Roman Emperor Flavius Valerius Aurelius Constantinus (27 February ca. 272 &ndash 22 May 337 commonly known as Constantine I, Constantine the Great, or Saint Constantine The short reign of Julian the Apostate was not capable to improve its situation. Flavius Claudius Julianus, known also as Julian or Julian the Apostate (331 or 332 to 26 June 363) was Roman Emperor (Caesar Despite this, the Oracle existed until it was ordered to close by emperor Theodosius I in 395 AD. Flavius Theodosius (January 11 347 – January 17 395 also called Theodosius I and Theodosius the Great ( Greek: Θεοδόσιος Α΄ The site was abandoned for almost 100 years, until Christians started to settle permanently in the area and established a small town about 600 AD by the name Kastri.

The "Delphic Sibyl"

Main article: Delphic Sibyl

The Delphic Sibyl was a legendary prophetic figure who was said to have given prophecies at Delphi shortly after the Trojan War. The Delphic Sibyl was a legendary figure who made prophecies in the sacred precinct of Apollo at Delphi, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. The Delphic Sibyl was a legendary figure who made prophecies in the sacred precinct of Apollo at Delphi, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. In Greek mythology, the Trojan War was waged against the city of Troy by the Achaeans after Paris of Troy stole Helen from her The prophecies attributed to her circulated in written collections of prophetic sayings, along with the oracles of figures such as Bakis. Bakis or Bacis was a semi-legendary ancient Greek seer of the 6th or 7th century BC, a native of Boeotia. The Sibyl had no connection to the oracle of Apollo, and should not be confused with the Pythia. PYTHIA is a computer simulation program for particle collisions at very high energies (see Event (particle physics) in Particle accelerators

Buildings and structures

Site plan of the Sanctuary of Apollo, Delphi

Occupation of the site at Delphi can be traced back to the Neolithic period with extensive occupation and use beginning in the Mycenaean period (1600-1100 B. C). Most of the ruins that survive today date from the most intense period of activity at the site in the 6th century BC. The 6th century BC started the first day of 600 BC and ended the last day of 501 BC. ^[9]

Temple of Apollo

The ruins of the Temple of Apollo visible today date from the 4th century BC are of a peripteral Doric building. The 4th century BC started the first day of 400 BC and ended the last day of 301 BC. This page is a glossary of architecture. A Aisle - subsidiary space alongside the body of a building separated from it by columns piers or The Doric order was one of the three '''orders''' or organizational systems of Ancient Greek or Classical architecture; the other two Canonical It was erected on the remains of an earlier temple, dated to the 6th century BC which itself was erected on the site of a 7th century BC construction attributed to the architects Trophonios and Agamedes. The 6th century BC started the first day of 600 BC and ended the last day of 501 BC. The 7th century BC started the first day of 700 BC and ended the last day of 601 BC. ^[10]

Temple of Apollo at Delphi

The 6th century BC temple was named the "Temple of Alcmeonidae" in tribute to the Athenian family which funded its construction. It was a Doric hexastyle temple of 6 by 15 columns. A portico is a Porch that is leading to the entrance of a building or extended as a Colonnade, with a roof structure over a walkway supported by Columns The temple was destroyed in 373 BC by an earthquake with the third temple completed on the site by 330 BC. The third temple is attributed to Corinthian architects Spintharos, Xenodoros, and Agathon. ^[11]

The pediment sculptures are attributed to Praxias and Androsthenes of Athens. A pediment is a classical architectural element consisting of the triangular section found above the horizontal structure ( Entablature) typically supported by Praxias and Androsthenes, Greek sculptors, who are said by Pausanias (x Praxias and Androsthenes, Greek sculptors, who are said by Pausanias (x Athens (ˈæθənz Αθήνα Athina,) the Capital and largest city of Greece, dominates the Attica periphery as one of the world's Of a similar proportion to the second temple it retained the 6 by 15 column pattern around the stylobate. In classical Greek architecture, a stylobate ( Greek: στυλοβάτης is the top step of the Crepidoma, the stepped platform on which colonnades of ^[11] Inside was the adyton, the centre of the Delphic oracle and seat of Pythia. The adyton (Άδυτον or adytum ( Latin) was a restricted area within the Cella of a Greek or Roman temple. The monument was partly restored during 1938-1941.

Treasuries

The Treasury of Athens, built to commemorate their victory at the Battle of Marathon

From the entrance of the site, continuing up the slope almost to the temple itself, are a large number of votive statues, and numerous treasuries. The Battle of Marathon ( Greek: Μάχη τοῡ Μαραθῶνος Machē tou Marathōnos) during the Greco-Persian Wars took place in 490 A votive deposit or votive offering is an object left in a Sacred place for Ritual purposes These were built by the various states — those overseas as well as those on the mainland — to commemorate victories and to thank the oracle for her advice, which was so important to those victories. The most impressive is the now-restored Athenian Treasury, built to commemorate the Athenians' victory at the Battle of Salamis. The Battle of Salamis ( Ancient Greek:) was a decisive naval battle between the Greek City-states and Persia in September 480 BC in the According to Pausanias, the Athenians had previously been given the advice by the oracle to put their faith in their "wooden walls" — taking this advice to mean their navy, they won a famous battle at Salamis. The Battle of Salamis ( Ancient Greek:) was a decisive naval battle between the Greek City-states and Persia in September 480 BC in the Another impressive treasury that exists on the site was dedicated by the city of Siphnos, whose citizens had amassed great wealth from their silver and gold mines and so they dedicated the Siphnian Treasury. Sifnos (Σίφνος is an island municipality in the Cyclades island group in Greece. The Siphnian Treasury was a dedicated building to the Greek Polis, or city-state of Delphi while the Delphic Oracle was The most extensive and well preserved treasury at Delphi was the treasury of Argos. Built in the late Doric period, the Argives took great pride in establishing their place amongst the other city states. Completed in the year 380, the treasury draws inspiration mostly from the Temple of Hera located in the Argolis, the acropolis of the city. However, recent analysis of the Archaic elements of the treasury suggest that its founding preceded this.

As a result of these treasuries, through the protection of the Amphictyonic League, Delphi came to function as the de-facto Central Bank of Ancient Greece. The Amphictyonic League ( Amphictyony) was a form of Greek religious organization that was enjoined to support specific temples or sacred places and A central bank, reserve bank, or monetary authority is the entity responsible for the Monetary policy of a country or of a group of member states The term ancient Greece refers to the period of Greek history lasting from the Greek Dark Ages ca It was the abuse of these treasuries by Philip of Macedon and the later sacking of the Treasuries, first by the Celts, and later by Sulla, the Roman Dictator, that led to the eclipse of Greek civilization and the eventual growth of Rome. Philip was the name of several Macedonian monarchs Philip I of Macedon (ruled 640–602 BC Celts (ˈkɛlts or /ˈsɛlts/, see Names of the Celts Lucius Cornelius Sulla Felix ( Latin: L•CORNELIVS•L•F•P•N•SVLLA•FELIX (c This is a list of topics related to ancient Rome that aims to include aspects of both the ancient Roman Republic and Roman Empire. A dictator is an Authoritarian ruler (eg Absolutist or autocratic) who assumes sole and absolute power without hereditary ascension such as an Absolute

Altar of the Chians

Located in front of the Temple of Apollo, the main altar of the sanctuary was paid for and built by the people of Chios. Chios (Χίος pronounced ˈçio̞s alternative transliterations Khíos and Híos) is the fifth largest of the Greek islands, situated It is dated to the 5th century BC by the inscription on its cornice. The 5th century BC started the first day of 500 BC and ended the last day of 401 BC. The term cornice comes from Italian cornice, meaning “ledge Made entirely of black marble, except for the base and cornice, the altar would have made a striking impression. It was restored in 1920. ^[12]

Stoa of the Athenians

The stoa leads off north-east from the main sanctuary. Stoa (plural stoae or stoæ) in Ancient Greek architecture; covered walkways or Porticos commonly for public usage It was built in the Ionic order and consists of seven fluted columns, unusually carved from single pieces of stone (most columns were constructed from a series of discs joined together). The Ionic order column forms one of the three '''orders''' or '''organizational systems''' of Classical architecture, the other two canonic orders being the The inscription on the stylobate indicates that it was built by the Athenians after their naval victory over the Persians in 478 BC, to house their war trophies. In classical Greek architecture, a stylobate ( Greek: στυλοβάτης is the top step of the Crepidoma, the stepped platform on which colonnades of ^[12]

Polygonal wall

The retaining wall was built to support the terrace housing the construction of the second temple of Apollo in 548 BC. Its name is taken from the polygonal masonry of which it is constructed. In Geometry a polygon (ˈpɒlɨɡɒn ˈpɒliɡɒn is traditionally a plane figure that is bounded by a closed path or circuit ^[12]

Gymnasium

The gymnasium was a series of buildings used by the youth of Delphi. The gymnasium in Ancient Greece functioned as a training facility for competitors in public Games It was also a place for socializing and engaging in intellectual The building consisted of two levels: a stoa on the upper level providing open space, and a palaestra, pool and baths on lower floor. Stoa (plural stoae or stoæ) in Ancient Greek architecture; covered walkways or Porticos commonly for public usage For the sports arena in Philadelphia (Pennsylvania see Palestra. These pools and baths were told to have magical powers, and the ability to communicate to Apollo himself. ^[12]

Castalian spring

The mountain-top stadium at Delphi, far above the temples/theater below.

The theatre at Delphi (as viewed near the top seats).

The Tholos at base of Mount Parnassus: 3 of 20 Doric columns. As a generic term tholos tomb is an alternative name for a Beehive tomb from the late Bronze Age. Mythology Mount Parnassus is named after Parnassos the son of the Nymph Kleodora and the man Kleopompus. The Doric order was one of the three '''orders''' or organizational systems of Ancient Greek or Classical architecture; the other two Canonical

The sacred spring of Delphi lies in the ravine of the Phaedriades. The preserved remains of two monumental fountains that received the water from the spring date to the Archaic period and the Roman, with the later cut into the rock. The archaic period in Greece ( 750 BC 480 BC) is a period of Ancient Greek history Ancient Rome was a Civilization that grew out of a small agricultural community founded on the Italian Peninsula as early as the 10th century BC

Stadium

The stadium is located further up the hill, beyond the via sacra and the theatre. A modern stadium (plural stadiums or stadia in English is a place or venue for (mostly outdoor Sports Concerts or other events consisting It was originally built in the 5th century BC but was altered in later centuries. The 5th century BC started the first day of 500 BC and ended the last day of 401 BC. The last major remodeling took place in the 2nd century AD under the patronage of Herodus Atticus when the stone seating was built and arched entrance. The 2nd century is the period from 101 to 200 in accordance with the Julian calendar in the Christian / Common Era. It could seat 6500 spectators and the track was 177 metres long and 25. 5 metres wide. ^[13]

Theatre

The ancient theatre at Delphi was built further up the hill from the Temple of Apollo giving spectators a view of the entire sanctuary and the valley below. Theatre (or theater, see spelling differences) is the branch of the Performing arts defined by Bernard Beckerman as what "occurs when one It was originally built in the 4th century BC but was remodeled on several occasions since. The 4th century BC started the first day of 400 BC and ended the last day of 301 BC. Its 35 rows can seat 5,000 spectators. ^[11]

Tholos

The Tholos at the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia is a circular building that was constructed between 380 and 360 BC. As a generic term tholos tomb is an alternative name for a Beehive tomb from the late Bronze Age. ATHENA was an Antimatter research project that took place at the AD Ring at CERN. It consisted of 20 Doric columns arranged with an exterior diameter of 14. The Doric order was one of the three '''orders''' or organizational systems of Ancient Greek or Classical architecture; the other two Canonical 76 meters, with 10 Corinthian columns in the interior. The Corinthian order is one of the Classical orders of Greek and Roman Architecture, characterized

The Tholos is located approximately a half-mile (800 m) from the main ruins at Delphi. Three of the Doric columns have been restored, making it the most popular site at Delphi for tourists to take photographs.

Vitruvius (vii, introduction) notes Theodorus the Phocian as the architect of the Round Building which is at Delphi. Marcus Vitruvius Pollio (born c 80–70 BC died after c 15 BC was a Roman Writer, Architect and Engineer (possibly praefectus fabrum

Excavations

The site had been occupied by the village of Kastri since medieval times and this had to be relocated before a systematic excavation of the site could be undertaken, a relocation resisted by the residents. Kastri, older forms Kastrio and Kastrion may refer to several places in Greece Kastri Evrymenes, a village in the Ioannina The opportunity to relocate the village was presented when it was substantially damaged by an earthquake, with villagers offered a completely new village in exchange for the old site. In 1893 the French Archaeological School removed vast quantities of soil from numerous landslides to reveal both the major buildings and structures of the sanctuary of Apollo and of Athena Proaea along with thousands of objects, inscriptions and sculptures. The French School at Athens ( French: École Française d'Athènes (EfA; Greek: Γαλλική Σχολή Αθηνών) is one of the 17 ^[12]

Architecture

The complex architecture of the sanctuary and the temple were part of Doric and Corinthian order, which was passed down from generations by Spintharus, who was notable for rebuilding the temple of Apollo in 373BC.

Four areas of the site have been reconstructed to greater of lesser extents. The Treasury of the Athenians was fully reconstructed from its original materials by the original French excavation team under the sponsorship of the Mayor of Athens. The Altar of the Chians was reconstructed in 1959 by the Greek Archaeological Services. The Tholos and Temple of Apollo have been subject to limited reconstructions. ^[12]

Modern Delphi

Delphi Museum

Kleobis and Biton, Delphi Museum

Modern Delphi is situated immediately west of the archaeological site and hence is a popular tourist destination. It is on a major highway linking Amfissa along with Itea and Arachova. Amfissa ( Greek: Άμφισσα ˈaɱfisa is a municipality and the capital town of the prefecture of Phocis, in Greece. Itea ( Greek: Ιτέα meaning Willow) is a Greek town and a municipality located in the southeastern part of the prefecture of Phokida. Arachova may also refer to a village in the Aetolia-Acarnania prefecture see Platanos Aetolia-Acarnania Arachova may also refer to a village There are many hotels and guest houses in the town, and many taverns and bars. The main streets are narrow, and often one-way. Delphi also has a school, a lyceum, a church and a square (plateia). Plateia or platia ( πλατεία) is the Greek word for Town square. The Trans European Footpath E4 passes through the east end of the town. In addition to the archaeological interest, Delphi attracts tourists visiting the Parnassus Ski Center and the popular coastal towns of the region. The town has a population of 2,373 people while the population of the municipality of Delphi, including Chrisso (ancient Krissa), is 3,511. Chrisso (Χρισσό older name Chryso (Χρυσό is a village located in the western part of the municipality of Delphi in the northeastern part of the prefecture

In medieval times Delphi was also called Kastri and was built on the archaeological site. The residents had used the marble columns and structures as support beams and roofs for their improvised houses, a usual way of rebuilding towns which were partially or totally destroyed, especially after the earthquake in 1580 which demolished several towns in Phocis. In 1893 archaeologists from the École française d'Athènes finally located the actual site^[14] of ancient Delphi and the village was moved to a new location, west of the site of the temples. Year 1893 ( MDCCCXCIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common The French School at Athens ( French: École Française d'Athènes (EfA; Greek: Γαλλική Σχολή Αθηνών) is one of the 17

The Delphi Archaeological Museum is at the foot of the main archaeological complex, on the east side of the village, and on the north side of the main road. Delphi Archaeological museum is the museum that houses the ancient artifacts that were found in Delphi, Greece. The museum houses an impressive collection associated with ancient Delphi, including the earliest known notation of a melody. Entries to the museum and to the main complex are separate and chargeable, and a reduced rate ticket gets entry to both. There is a small cafe, and a post office by the museum. Slightly further east, on the south side of the main road, is the Gymnasium and the Tholos. The gymnasium in Ancient Greece functioned as a training facility for competitors in public Games It was also a place for socializing and engaging in intellectual As a generic term tholos tomb is an alternative name for a Beehive tomb from the late Bronze Age. Entry to these is free.

Media

See also

• Greek art
• List of traditional Greek place names
• Aristoclea - Delphic priestess of the 6th Century B. Greece has a rich and varied artistic history spanning some 5000 years This is a list of Greek place names. That is a list of the names of places as they exist in the Greek language. Aristoclea (also Aristocleia) (flourished 6th century BC) was a Greek priestess at Delphi in Ancient Greece. C. , said to have been tutor to Pythagoras
• Delphi Archaeological Museum

Notes

References

• Broad, William J. The Oracle: Ancient Delphi and the Science Behind its Lost Secrets, 2006. ISBN 1-59-420081-5.
• Burkert, Walter, Greek Religion 1985. Walter Burkert (born Neuendettelsau, Bavaria, February 2, 1931) a scholar of Greek mythology and cult, is an emeritus
• Farnell, Lewis Richard, The Cults of the Greek States, 1896.
• Goodrich, Norma Lorre, Priestesses, 1990.
• Guthrie, William Keith Chambers, The Greeks and their Gods, 1955.
• Hall, Manly Palmer, The Secret Teachings of All Ages, 1928. Manly Palmer Hall ( March 18, 1901 - August 29, 1990) was a Canadian -born Author and mystic. Ch. 14 cf. Greek Oracles,www, PRS
• Herodotus, The Histories
• Homeric Hymn to Pythian Apollo
• Parke, Herbert William, History of the Delphic Oracle, 1939. Herodotus of Halicarnassus ( Greek: Hēródotos Halikarnāsseús) was a Greek Historian who lived in the 5th century BC ( 484 BC&ndash
• Plutarch "Lives"
• Rohde, Erwin, Psyche, 1925. Lucius Mestrius Plutarchus ( Greek: Μέστριος Πλούταρχος c Erwin Rohde ( October 9, 1845 &ndash January 11, 1898) was one of the great German classical scholars of the 19th and early 20th centuries
• West, Martin Litchfield, The Orphic Poems, 1983. Martin Litchfield West (born 23 September 1937, London, England) is an internationally recognised scholar in Classics, Classical ISBN 0-19-814854-2.

External links

General

• Official website of the archaeological site
• Official website of the Museum
• History of the Ecole française d'Athènes in Delphi (French)
• Homepage of the modern municipality (English) (Greek)
• Hellenic Ministry of Culture: Delphi
• Delphi (Greek)
• C. Osborne, "A Short detour to Delphi and the Sibyls"
• Livius Picture Archive: Delphi
• Eloise Hart, "The Delphic oracle"
• III JUNIOR DELPHIC GAMES 2007 Baguio City, Philippines - November 10 to 15
• International Delphic Council

Geology of Delphi

• John R. Hale, et al., "Questioning the Delphic Oracle: When science meets religion at this ancient Greek site, the two turn out to be on better terms than scholars had originally thought", in Scientific American August 2003
• John Roach, "Delphic Oracle's Lips May Have Been Loosened by Gas Vapors" in National Geographic news, August 2001
• Geology of Delphi
• The New York Times, March 19, 2002: "Fumes and Visions Were Not a Myth for Oracle at Delphi"
• A Geological Companion to Greece and the Aegean by Michael and Reynold Higgins, Cornell University Press, 1996