Let’s ask the oracle

Parking for the Night

After we had experienced that archaeological sites were open to visit, we were happy that we could also visit Delphi and the famous oracle. Delphi lies on the slope of Mount Parnassus, North of the Gulf of Corinth. What is the archaeological site today was under cover and even had a village on top not so long ago. The villagers had to be convinced to move to a different location before excavations could start.

Ruins of the ancient temple of Apollo

The myth goes that Zeus decided to establish an oracle at the centre of the world. In order to find the suitable location, he let loose two eagles, one flying towards the East and the second towards the West. The two eagles met above Delphi, indicating that this was the centre of the world and navel of the earth.

Temple of Apollo, where Pythia made her prophecies

Delphi is well known for its oracle, where Pythia, a high priestess of the Temple of Apollo, made here prophecies. She had to be an older woman of blameless life, chosen from among the peasants of the area. Pythia sat on a tripod in the sunken adyton (enclosed inner sanctum of the temple) over an opening in the earth, where fumes might have put her in a kind of trance. Her ravings were “translated” by the priests of the temple.

The oracle of Delphi initially only gave information once a year on the birthday of Apollo, and later on the seventh day of every month in summer. In winter, it took a break for three months.

Before the oracle spoke, it needed an omen: a high priest sprinkled a young goat with ice-cold water. If she stayed calm, the oracle for that day was cancelled and those seeking advice had to come back a month later. If the goat winced, it was slaughtered as a sacrificial animal. Now the prophecies could begin.

The Delphic oracle exerted considerable influence throughout the Greek world, and was consulted before all major undertakings, including wars and the founding of colonies. One of the famous prophecies we remembered, was the oracle King Croesus requested before he went against the Persian king Cyrus II. He was told that he will destroy a great empire. Croesus referred this prophecy to the Persian Empire, but in the end he destroyed his own when he lost the war and his life.

Theatre at Delphi
What a great view this theatre has!
Treasury of the Athenians, built to commemorate their victory at the battle of Marathon.
Fascinating poligonal wall
Many stones are engraved
Serpent column once with a tripod on top
We had Delphi to ourselves
177 metres long stadium high up the mountain, which could seat 6,500 spectators
Athena Pronaia Sanctuary with 3 of 20 Doric columns re-erected
Flower of the Day at the polygonal wall

As we couldn’t ask the oracle any questions, we still don’t know where we will travel to this year. Africa, America or Asia – what would you suggest?

2 thoughts on “Let’s ask the oracle”

  1. Pingback: How Istanbul knocked us out …. – we travel

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