The History of Delphi
by Lilasel
The first traces of inhabitation in the region of Delphi go back to Mycenaean times (14th - 11th c. BC). At this period, the main deity worshipped at the small settlement was Ge ("Earth"). In the following period (11th - 9th c. BC) the cult of Apollo became established at Delphi, when the god installed himself there, having first killed the Python, the snake that guarded the oracle of Ge. During the 8th and 7th c. BC, the sanctuary of Delphi too shaped. The first stone temples were built towards the end of the 7th c. BC, one dedicated to Apollo and the other to Athena.
Mythological Delphi Background
by Kuznetsov_Sergey
For the ancient Greeks, Delphi was quite literally the center of the world. According to Greek myth, Zeus released two eagles from opposite ends of the earth and they met in the sky above Delphi. Impaling one another with their beaks, they fell to the ground on the very center of the world. The site was marked by the Omphalos, or "navel" stone.
According to legend, the serpent Python was the ancient guardian of Delphi's Castalian Spring before he was killed by Apollo. Python was the son of the Greek goddes Gea, "Earth". Even before the area was associated with Apollo there were other deities worshipped here including the earth goddess Gea, Themis, Demeter and Poseidon, the well known god of the sea.
By the end of the Mycenaean period Apollo had displaced these other deities and became the guardian of the oracle. You may learn more sacred-destinations.com
The Theatre of the sanctuary
by Lilasel
It was originally built in the 4th century BC but the ruins we see today date from the Roman Imperial period. The theatre was used mostly for the theatrical performances during the great festivals of the sanctuary. The central theme was the representation of Apollo's victory over the serpent Python.
This famous Tholos
by Lilasel
The Tholos is probably the most widely recognized building on the site because of the color of the marble and the fact that it is a round temple. Circular building in Doric order was built about 380 BC. Its function remains unknown but It must have been an important building, judging from the multi-coloured stone, the fine workmanship and the high-standard relief decoration. The monument was partly reconstructed in 1938.
Nafpaktos
by Lilasel
There are numerous beaches and coves along the coast below Delphi and heading west towards Nafpaktos.
But Nafpaktos is one of the most interesting towns in the area and has perhaps the most impressive castle in Greece after Nafplio. The town has a beautiful fortified harbor and main square. There are two long attractive beaches on either side of the harbor and lots of restaurants, cafes and hotels.
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View from Delphi.
See him?
Ruins of Delphi at rocks of Mt. Parnassus, Greece
Stadium
