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Table of Contents
Delphi, previously called Pytho, is an ancient sacred precinct in Greece. The sanctuary is dedicated to Apollo, the Greek God of light, music, poetry, healing, and prophecy. It is home to Pythia, the high priestess of the Temple of Apollo, and is considered the “Oracle of Delphi.”
See the fact file below for more information on Delphi, or you can download our 30-page Delphi worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
BRIEF BACKGROUND
- Delphi is positioned between two massive rocks of Mount Parnassus known as the Phaidriades (Shining) Rocks. About six miles (10 km) from the Gulf of Corinth in the Greek region of Phoics.
- Due to Delphi being a panHellenic sanctuary, it was a sanctuary open for all Greeks. It was not controlled by any Greek city-state, which is why the city-states built their treasuries in Delphi to show their wealth and power. The treasuries were also their offerings to Apollo.
- The religious sanctuary contained the Temple of Apollo and the Temple of Athena Pronaia, which means “Athena who is before the temple (of Apollo). It also housed several other structures, which were built for sporting events, like the gym where people could exercise and learn. One of the well-known events held in Delphi is the “Pythian Games,” which is considered the second most crucial game after Olympics in Greece.
- The first structure people would see in Delphi is the Temple of Athena. The path that visitors would walk through is called the “Sacred Way,” which is lined with votive monuments and treasuries.
PYTHIA
- Pythia is considered to be a high priestess in the history of Delphi. She is known as the “Oracle of Delphi” because she conveys the messages of the Apollo. Women were mainly led to domestic life during the ancient Greeks, and priestesses were commonly associated with cult; however, Pythia is considered to be one of most powerful and prestigious priestess in ancient Greek.
- Pythia is described inconsistently. Some of these descriptions are mantis (seer), hiereia (priestess), and prophetis (prophet). However, it appears that despite being the oracle of Apollo, Pythia did not have any administrative role in Delphi. The Amphictyony, or the overarching council, carry the administrative function – including the finances, the Pythian Games, and the caretaking of the Delphi.
- Several sanctuaries were built in Greece for Apollo’s oracle because he is viewed as the guide, as he is the god of prophecy. However, the Oracle of Delphi is the most well-known, as people would travel to consult with Pythia. The Greeks believed that the oracle predicted several historical events such as, Argonaut’s expedition and the Trojan War.
DELPHI IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
- The Delphi is viewed as the center, or the navel, of the world by the Greeks. According to Greek Mythology, the god of lightning and thunder, Zeus, sent out two eagles to find the center of the world. One of the eagles was released to the east, and the other one was released to the west. The two eagles were believed to have met in a site that would then be Delphi in the future. The location was marked by Zeus with a sacred stone known as the omphalos, Greek for “navel.” This location would later be held at the Sanctuary of Apollo.
- Greeks believed the location was originally sacred, belonging to Gaea, Mother Earth. It was protected by Python, Gaea’s serpent offspring, which Apollo then murdered by releasing his arrow one after another until Python’s life vanished.
- Apollo then built his oracle there. It is believed that the natives from the island of Crete came with Apollo, who was disguised as a dolphin and built God’s sanctuary.
HISTORICAL EVENTS
- The Mycenaean settlement, which dates back to 1600-1100 BCE, is believed to have settled in the sanctuary regions, as the archaeological findings suggest. In 1400 BCE, the Delphi may have been a sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Gaea or Athena that was destroyed by a rock fall at the end of the Bronze Age. Archaeologists found proof of rites that date back to the Neolithic Era, around 4000 BCE, on the cave of Korykion Andron located on Mount Parnassus.
- At the beginning of the 8th century BCE, or in the early Archaic period, the religious sanctuary was the center of an ancient religious association of the twelve Greek tribes known as the “Amphictyonic League.” In the 8th century, the priests from Knossos, on Crete, brought Apollo’s cult to Delphi and began establishing the religious sanctuary of the god. Towards the end of the 7th century, the cult built the first stone temples to Apollo and Athena.
- Around 590 BCE, the community of Krisa acted impiously towards the sanctuary of Apollo. Their community had grown due to trades around Delphi. Despite the same actions of Krisa being unknown, their efforts resulted in the start of the First Sacred War launched by the league, which is believed to have lasted for ten years.
- This resulted in Krisa’s downfall and recognition of the league to Delphi being an autonomous state. In 582 BCE, the Pythian Games began, held every four years.
- In between the 6th century BCE and 4th century BCE, the prestige of the Oracle of Delphi was at its highest. In 548 BCE, a fire destroyed the first temple, and was rebuilt by the Alcmaeonids after at least three decades. In the midst of 5th and 4th century BCE, three sacred wars occurred, resulting in Delphi’s prestige.
- In the 3rd century BCE, Delphi was conquered by the Aetolians and was held for roughly 100 years. The Romans drove the Aetolians away. In CE 393 or 394, the practice of the pan-Hellenic games and the rule of ancient religions was outlawed by Theodosius, the Byzantine emperor. This resulted at the end of the power of Delphi, and the statues and temples were destroyed.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDINGS
- Temple of Apollo. The Oracle of Delphi, Pythia, operates in this temple. Ancient reports claim that five separate temples were constructed throughout history. The ruins at the site are believed to date to the 20th century BCE.
- Tholos. The circular tholos at the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, also known as “Athena of foresight,” was built between 380 and 360 BCE. It had 10 Corinthian columns inside and 20 Doric columns outside, with a total exterior diameter of 14.76 meters. The Tholos is situated at 38°28′49′′N 22°30′28′′E, around 800 meters (half a mile) from the main Delphic remains. The Doric columns at Delphi are the most photographed location since three of them have been restored. The Tholos lies at the base of Mount Parnassus.
- Treasuries. Throughout the path of the Sacred Way, several monuments and treasuries can be found on the slope ascending to the temple of Apollo. The treasuries were built by many Greek city-states as a token of gratitude to the oracle as it is believed to have helped in the victories through her counsel. It also stands as a mark of victory. The tributes presented to Apollo were sometimes a “tithe” or a tenth of the winnings after a fight, and they were kept in these buildings. The immense treasury belonged to Argos, and the most impressive belonged to the Athenians.
- Several other archaeological sites can be found in Delphi. This includes; the Altar of Chians built by the people of Chios, Sibyl Rock that is believed to be sat or stood by Pythia whenever she delivered the prophecy, Theatre that were built uphill to give the viewers full view, Stadiums, etc.
UNESCO World Heritage
The Archaeological site of Delphi was inscribed by UNESCO, or the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1987. There were five criteria by UNESCO that served as why Delphi must be protected and preserved. The following criterion was:
- i. The layout of Delphi is a unique, exceptional work of art. Many monuments with modular elements – such as temples, treasuries, etc. – combined to make a powerful statement of the moral and physical qualities of the location that may be described as magical. Mountain Parnassus, where Delphi is located, was also considered a masterpiece.
- ii. Delphi had a significant influence on the ancient world, as seen by the numerous gifts that kings, dynasties, city-states, and historical personalities sent to the sanctuary in the belief that doing so would win the god’s favor.
- iii. The ancient Greek society and religion are uniquely attested to in Delphi. Celestial religions superseded Chthonian cults and presented the old heritage of mythology starting from prehistoric times at the fabled location where Apollo killed the serpent Python.
- iv. Delphi is an extraordinary architectural ensemble and an illustration of a significant PanHellenic shrine. It is located in a stunning natural setting that is still intact.
- v. Ancient people believed that the Omphalos, or the center of the world and the universe, was situated in the Temple of Apollo. Consequently, Delphi is directly and physically linked to a belief of universal significance.
Under the terms of Law No. 3028/2002 on the “Protection of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage in General,” the Archaeological Site of Delphi is protected 24/7. The three factors that are recognized to be affecting the property are; Human resources, Impacts of recreation and tourism, and other threats such as the need to strengthen the site’s protection.
Delphi Worksheets
This is a fantastic bundle that includes everything you need to know about Delphi across 30 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use worksheets that are perfect for teaching kids about Delphi, which is an ancient sacred precinct in Greece dedicated to Apollo.
Complete List of Included Worksheets
Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.
- Delphi Facts
- Break the Code!
- Rebuilding the Ruins
- Chosen Eagle
- Treasure Keeper
- Word Temple
- Searching for Artifacts
- Word Hunt
- List of Facts
- Criteria Check!
- Revisiting History!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Delphi known for?
Delphi was an ancient religious sanctuary that was dedicated to the Greek god Apollo. It was built in the 8th century BC, and it became famous for its oracle, Pythia. This oracle could allegedly divine the future and advise people on their major undertakings.
What is the legend of Delphi?
In ancient Greek mythology, it was believed that Delphi was the center of the world. The story goes that Zeus released four eagles from different parts of the Earth, and they all met at Delphi. Afterward, Delphi became known as the navel of the world.
Why was Delphi so successful?
Dating back to 1400 BC, the Oracle of Delphi was a very important shrine in Greece. It was respected by all Greeks. The shrine was built around a sacred spring, and it was considered to be the center of the world.
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Use With Any Curriculum
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