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Delphi Ancient Center of the Greek world

Delphi lies between two towering rocks of Mt. Parnassus, known as the Phaidriades (Shining) Rocks, in the Regional unit of Phocis in Central Greece. Here lies the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Apollo, the Olympian god of light, knowledge and harmony.

The Athenian Treasury

The area was inhabited in the 2nd millennium BC, as is evident from Mycenaean remains (1500-1100 BC). The development of the sanctuary and oracle began in the 8th century BC, and their religious and political influence over the whole of Greece increased in the 6th century BC. At the same time, their fame and prestige spread throughout the whole of the then known world, from which pilgrims came to the site to receive an oracle from the Pythia, the priestess of Apollo.

Temple of Apollo; This temple was dedicated to Apollo, the god of light and music.
Temple of Apollo; Inside the temple, there was the oracle of Apollo, where high priestess Pythia would give her prophecies.

A place with a rich intangible heritage, Delphi was the centre of the world (omphalos) in the eyes of the ancient Greeks: according to myth, it was the meeting point of two eagles released by Zeus, one to the East and one in the West.

Ancient Theatre overlooking Pleistos River Valley photo by Richard Funston.

The magnificent monumental complex is a human-made environment in perfect harmony with the rare natural environment, the principal features of which gave rise to the organisation of the cults. This harmonious relationship, which has remained undisturbed from ancient times to the present day, makes Delphi a unique monument and a priceless legacy bequeathed by the ancient Greek world to following generations.

The Treasury of the Athenians was constructed in the 6th century B.C. to host the offerings of the Athenians to god Apollo and the oracle of Delphi.
sanctuary of Athena Pronaia
The Charioteer

One of the masterpieces of ancient Greek art, the Charioteer is the last exhibit to see in the Archaeological Museum of Delphi. A bronze statue in great detail, this is the only survivor of a large impressive chariot.

The Sphinx of the Naxians

The Sphinx of Naxos stood on a tall Ionic column next the famous Temple of Apollo at Delphi, the religious center of the ancient Greek world. It served as a guardian within the sanctuary, erected near the sacred Halos (“threshing floor”), where, according to tradition, the god Apollo killed the serpent Python.

The sphinx, now on display in the Delphi Archaeological Museum, sits on its haunches with forelegs fully extended atop an early example of an Ionic capital. Over two meters tall, it has the head of a woman, the body of a lioness, and the wings of a large bird of prey. The feathers on the wings and chest are extensively detailed, while the face, bearing large triangular eyes and the enigmatic “Archaic smile,” points ahead. Carved from a large piece of Naxian marble and dating to 560 BC, it is one of the earliest examples of a carving in-the-round.

The combined height of the statue and the column would have reached a staggering 12.5 meters, evoking fear and awe among the pilgrims arriving at the sanctuary. It was dedicated by the islanders of Naxos, described by Herodotus as the richest of all Greek islands at the time, and served as a reminder of their power and influence.

Created By
richard funston
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