Sanctuary of Apollo Delphi, Greece
Overview
Located amidst breathtaking scenery in central Greece, the Sanctuary of Apollo at Ancient Delphi was the most important sacred site in the Greek world. Revered as early as 1500 BC, the sacred precinct was home to the famous Oracle, in which the god himself counseled his people through the mouth of an intoxicated priestess.
History
Excavations reveal that Delphi was first inhabited in late Mycenaean times (15th century BC) and that priests from Crete brought the cult of Apollo to central Greece in the 8th century BC. The version of Apollo worshipped on the island was Apollo Delphinios - the god in the form of a dolphin - and it was from this that the holy city derived its name.
As the center of the world and the dwelling place of Apollo, Delphi was thronged with pilgrimsfrom across the ancient world. Generals, kings, and individuals of all ranks came to the Oracle of Delphi to ask Apollo's advice on the best course to take in war, politics, love and family. After the inquirer made a sacrifice, a priestess uttered cryptic pronouncements which were then translated by a priest (see "The Oracle," below, for more details).
The Temple of Apollo seen today at Delphi dates from the 4th century BC. There were two earlier temples on the site: the first was burned in 548 and the second was destroyed by an earthquake. Some archaic capitals and wall blocks are preserved from the first temple and many of wall blocks and some pediment sculptures are extant from the second.
The Pythian Games held at Delphi were one of four Panhellenic games held in ancient Greece, and they attracted competitors from all over the Greek world. Founded in the 6th century BC and held in honor of Apollo, they originally centered around the talents the god exemplified - music and poetry. But soon, athletic competitions were added as well. The best known was a great chariot race, held in the stadium that can still be seen at Delphi. The winners of the Pythian Games received a laurel wreath from the city of Tempe in Thessaly, where Apollo was said to have picked a laurel on his way to Delphi.
The 6th century BC saw the political rise of Delphi and the reorganization of the Pythian Games, ushering in a golden age that lasted until the arrival of the Romans in 191 BC. Numerous treasuries were built in the Sanctuary of Apollo to house votive offerings of grateful pilgrims. In the 4th century BC, a theater accommodating 5,000 spectators was constructed nearby. It was restored in 159 by the Pergamene king Eumenes II and later by the Romans.
The oracle of Delphi was abolished in 393 AD by Emperor Theodosius, who made Christianity the official religion of the Byzantine Empire. No longer used, the temples fell into disrepair and their materials were plundered for new buildings.
Archaeological excavations began in earnest around 1900, and exciting new studies of the site and its geology were carried out in the late 1990s (see "The Oracle," below). Delphi was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.
Description
A good map is very useful for touring the ancient ruins of Delphi, as labels aren't always clear and the site is so widespread. Print this map to take along or pick up one at the entrance. It is best to begin one's tour with the museum, as its many treasures will help in visualizing what the bare ruins of Delphi looked like in their glory days.
The best time of year to visit is the spring, when the site is surrounded by blooming almond trees. As for time of day, the best times to avoid tour groups and crowds are early morning, lunchtime, and the last hour or two before closing.
Castalian Spring The first stop for ancient pilgrims to the Sanctuary of Apollo was the sacred Castalian Spring that wells up in a ravine in the Phaedriades mountains. All pilgrims ritually bathed here before entering the sacred precinct. Murderers had to bathe their entire body, while everyone else only had to wash their hair.
The spring is the oldest sacred site at Delphi and probably the reason the site was chosen as the abode of Apollo. It is connected with the chemical vapors that arose from the earth to inspire the Pythia's oracles. Two fountains fed by the sacred spring survive: an ancient (c.600 BC) fountain house with a marble-lined basin surrounded by benches; and a Roman fountain with niches for votive gifts.
Sacred Way and Treasuries The modern visitor to Delphi follows the exact path along the Sacred Way that was followed by ancient pilgrims. The path begins at the southeast corner of the site and winds its way up the hillside, past ancient treasuries and monuments, to the Temple of Apollo. In its heydey, every available space along the Sacred Way at Delphi was filled with treasury buildings, statues and votive offerings. These were donated by important cities to thank the Oracle for helpful advice that led to victories and to establish a presence at the important site of Delphi.
The most notable of these treasuries and offerings is the Treasury of the Athenians, dating from 490 BC. It was funded by the spoils of Athens' victory over the Persians at the Battle of Marathon, which was won after an oracle advising the Athenians to put their faith in their "wooden walls." They understood this to refer to their navy, and went on to win the famous battle at Salamis. The small, Doric-style building with two central columns was reconstructed in 1906 by French archaeologists. The treasury includes a wall covered with Greek inscriptions, including musically annotated hymns to Apollo.
Temple of Apollo The focus of Delphi, both in ancient times and today, is the Temple of Apollo, dating from the 4th century BC. It originally had 6 columns on the front and 15 on the sides, which were stuccoed over. The exterior was decorated with shields captured from the Persians at Plataea. Today, visitors can see one complete column of the facade and portions of five more columns. Also visible are the foundations of the outer colonnade and the interior sekos.
There were two earlier temples of Apollo on this site: the first was burned in 548 and the second was destroyed by an earthquake. Some archaic capitals and wall blocks are preserved from the first temple and many of wall blocks and some pediment sculptures are extant from the second.