GREECE: Delphi, the centre of the Ancient World, home of the Oracle and the Priestess Pythia

Developed in the 8th century BC, Delphi was considered the centre of the known world. It was where heaven and earth met and was an ancient religious sanctuary dedicated to the Greek god Apollo. 

It was also home to the famous Oracle of Delphi. Pilgrims from all over the Mediterranean would visit it to receive the prophecies of Apollo through the Priestess Pythia. 

Delphi is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

It is situated in the slopes of Mount Parnassus above the Gulph of Corinth and it is one of the most famous historic sites in Greece. The location is stunning!

When pilgrims approached Delphi the first structure they saw was the sanctuary of Athena. 

Built around 380 BC the Tholos was a circular building with 20 Doric columns on the outside, and 10 Corinthian columns in the interior. It was covered with a conical roof. It is considered a masterpiece of Classical architecture. 

Pilgrims would pass the Temple of Athena and go upward to the rest of the sanctuary.

Leading up to the Temple of Apollo was what was called The Sacred Way.

It was lined with monuments that were offerings to Apollo. They were erected by states or individuals in thanks for the favours bestowed by the god. 

It was also a way to show off power and wealth. The monuments are no longer there, but their bases still sit at the site. Some of the monuments are at the Archeological Museum of Delphi.

The biggest and best remaining structure is the Treasury of the Athenians, built around 510 BC (and re-erected in 1903-1906.) It was built by the Athenians, using marble from the island of Paros, to house their offerings to Apollo.

What stands on-site now is a copy, and the original is in the Archeological Museum of Delphi.

Higher up sat the Temple of Apollo. Over the centuries it was built on the same location 3 times. All that remains now are the foundations. 

The current temple remains were built in the 4th century BC and featured columns, sculptures and statues inside. 

It was here that the Pythia, the priestess, delivered her prophetic words in the adyton (inner shrine), which was a separate restricted room in the rear. Here she would say the words of the Oracle sent to her. They were then interpreted by the priests. 

The Oracle of Delphi was consulted on both private matters and also affairs of state. Rulers would seek the oracle before launching wars or founding new Greek colonies. 

Originally the Priestess was a young woman, of virtuous nature. We were told that inevitably the priests would fall in love with these women, so, they changed their selection choices of the Pythia and appointed older women over the age of 50. 

So, you might ask, how did the Pythia receive these messages from Apollo?

Well, the Pythia would enter the adytum and sit on a tripod chair. After Apollo's priests relayed questions from the petitioner, the Pythia would inhale light hydrocarbon gasses escaping from the chasm in the ground beneath her. She would then fall into a type of trance. 

While she was in this trance the Pythia would mutter incomprehensible words, which the Apollo priests would translate for the petitioners. The translations were worded, by the priests, so that they were open to interpretation and had dual or opposing meanings, thus ensuring that the outcomes were always accurate. 

Just think about that for a moment. On multiple levels.

This went on for centuries, with it's height between the 6th and 4th centuries BC.

Continuing along the Sacred Way, after the Temple of Apollo, pilgrims would wind up higher to the Theatre of Delphi. It was built in the 4th century BC, with later alterations during the Roman period. There were 35 rows of stone benches and the theatre could seat 5,000 spectators. It was built to host musical contests at Delphi's Pythian Games. 

The Greek Games were held every year rotating between 4 different locations. The Delphi Games were the second biggest location for the Games, with only the Olympus Games being bigger. These Games are the precursors to today's Olympic Games. 

When the Games first started in the 6th century BC they were only musical competitions. Athletic competitions were added over time. The Pythian Games completely stopped in 4th century AD.

Climbing higher up the Sacred Way led to the Stadium for the athletic contests. The Stadium is the highest part of the site and was built in the 5th century BC. 

In the 2nd century AD, when Delphi was occupied by the Romans the Stadium was modified to its present look. The tiered stone seating could accommodate 6,500 spectators. 

The importance of Delphi declined as Christianity rose and Christian settlements dotted the area. Eventually the Delphi sanctuary was buried under the Christian village of Kastri. 

The original Delphi was "discovered" in the late 1800's.

The residents of the town of Kastri were relocated to the west to allow for the excavation of the ancient Delphi sanctuary, which is now an archaeological site. 

There is an Archaeological Museum in Delphi where coins, gold jewellery, sculptured architectural elements, etc  are stored and displayed. Having become a history and museum geek, I thought it was an excellent museum.

I found this display fascinating, the Charioteer of Delphi Statue. It is from the 5th century BC! 

You can see the remnants that were found, and how they were able to put together what it had originally been over 2,500 years ago. Amazing on so many fronts. 

I just cannot imagine the patience required to reconstruct shattered items to their original form.

John and I spent 2 nights in Delphi and could have stayed longer to go hiking. 

The area is spectacular and the scenery is drop dead gorgeous. 

Definitely a highlight!