The ancient sanctuary at Delphi is one of the most stunning archaeological sites in Greece. Immediately upon arriving, you can see why the Greeks believed that it was the center of the world, and a place where humans could be particularly close to the gods.
The sanctuary sits on the slopes of Mt. Parnassus. The views are unbelievable.
Greek cities built treasuries at Delphi to protect their wealth in times of war. This one belonged to the Athenians.
Delphi, along with Olympia, Nemea, and Isthmia (the site where I work) was a panhellenic sanctuary, meaning that all of the Greek cities gathered here for games once every four years. The sites rotated on a cycle, so there were games held at one every year. A theatre for music competitions and a stadium for foot races have been excavated at Delphi.
The centerpiece of the site was the massive temple of Apollo, where travelers came from all over the known world to visit the oracle of Apollo and learn about their futures. Of course, you had to be careful with the fortune you were given - oracles can be tricky!
A smaller sanctuary to Athena was located lower down on the mountain.
Yup, Delphi is absolutely amazing. Part 2 of the tour is coming tomorrow!
I'm an archaeologist who lives in America during the year, but travels to Italy and Greece to conduct research every summer. I'm currently living in (and blogging from) Ancient Corinth, Greece, and I spend my days working at the nearby Greek sanctuary at Isthmia.
The sanctuary sits on the slopes of Mt. Parnassus. The views are unbelievable.
Greek cities built treasuries at Delphi to protect their wealth in times of war. This one belonged to the Athenians.
Delphi, along with Olympia, Nemea, and Isthmia (the site where I work) was a panhellenic sanctuary, meaning that all of the Greek cities gathered here for games once every four years. The sites rotated on a cycle, so there were games held at one every year. A theatre for music competitions and a stadium for foot races have been excavated at Delphi.
The centerpiece of the site was the massive temple of Apollo, where travelers came from all over the known world to visit the oracle of Apollo and learn about their futures. Of course, you had to be careful with the fortune you were given - oracles can be tricky!
A smaller sanctuary to Athena was located lower down on the mountain.
Yup, Delphi is absolutely amazing. Part 2 of the tour is coming tomorrow!
I'm an archaeologist who lives in America during the year, but travels to Italy and Greece to conduct research every summer. I'm currently living in (and blogging from) Ancient Corinth, Greece, and I spend my days working at the nearby Greek sanctuary at Isthmia.
4 comments:
Oh my, you are too lucky!! I can't believe you spend every summer traveling. Dream life!!
These pictures are gorgeous. I hope one day I can travel to far off places too, I do really want to head to Greece!
Happy Friday!
Hi, Ali!
I am Greek and I am archaelogist, as well! And I 'm one of your followers!
happy to read that you like Greece that much.
Especially when I read your post about Delphi and saw the pictures, I was very glad to see that this place fascinated and somebody else as much as it fascinates me.
It is my favourite site in Greece.
Have a nice time in the rest of your summer and if you come to Corfu (you know that island in the Ionian sea?) contact me, I will be happy to meet you!
Katerina.
I lived in Greece for 2.5 years about 30 years ago, but I still think of that beautiful country almost daily. We lived in Glyfada but travelled to Delphi many times a year as it was my favorite place in the entire world.
I can always recognise photos or films of Delphi on TV and as soon as I hear the name my heart smiles.
We are all are very lucky to have experienced the magic of the wonderful place called Delphi.
HI I am an American high school student hoping to study archaeology in college. I was wondering if you have any references, ideas, tips, background information, or advice for me because you seem to have a really wonderful setup! Please email me at tatumswize@yahoo.com. Thank you!
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