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Why Delphi
in Greece is special
Delphi was one of the ancient world's most sacred sites. It was famous for its
oracle. Today, Delphi is a remarkable complex of historical ruins.
The Oracle
of Delphi
 Oracle
has several related meanings. It can signify a shrine dedicated to consulting the
prophecies of a deity. The word can also mean the prophecy per se or the
person who acts as the go-between.
The
Oracle at Delphi was easily the foremost one in ancient Greece. Common folk and
kings from distant lands traveled to Delphi to have their questions answered by
the Greek god Apollo.
Visitors
posed queries through a medium to Apollo ranging from the personal ("Should I
plant more olive trees?") to serious matters of state.
Apollo's
answer was heard by a designated priestess. She then incoherently mumbled it out
loud while sitting on a tripod chair at the entrance to a cave. (Supposedly, the
Temple of Apollo was built over that location, but archaeologists have yet to
find it.)
Delphi
priests would then translate the prophecy for the eagerly waiting pilgrim.
The
answer (oracle) was often purposely ambiguous to minimize the chances of it
being wrong. For example, the reply to a king's "Should my country battle the
Persians?" query was "A great kingdom will be destroyed." The monarch thought
that the noun referred to his enemy the Persian kingdom - and so he went to war.
It turned out it was his kingdom that was destroyed.
Impressive site
Delphi
lies on a steep mountain slope with an arresting view of a valley and, in the
distance, the Gulf of Corinth.
Delphi has many interesting
archaeological ruins for tourist to see, including:
 Temple
of Apollo - Massive sanctuary. Dominates Delphi.
Temple
of Pronaia Athena - Circular structure with three restored columns.
Treasury
of Athena - Small. Well restored for Delphi.
Theatre
- Delphi's cultural center. Seated 5,000 people.
Stadium
- Site of the Pythian Games (similar to the Olympic Games).
Other Delphi
tips & insights
The
Oracle of Delphi was shut down in the 4th century AD by governmental decree
because of its pagan rituals. The site was neglected and gradually buried by
landslides and other natural causes. Delphi was discovered in the late 19th
century hidden under a working village, which was relocated so that excavations
could begin.
Delphi
has an outstanding onsite archaeological museum. Standout artworks include the
Bronze Charioteer and the friezes of the Athenian and Siphnian Treasuries.
Ancient
Greeks believed Delphi was the geographical center of the world. The exact spot
was marked by the carved Omphalos stone, which is now on exhibit in the museum.
You
can visit Delphi as a day trip from Athens, Greece. It is 2 to 3 hours away,
depending on traffic conditions.
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