Delphi Historical Facts and Pictures

Located on Mount Parnassus’ southwestern spur in the valley of Phocis, the sanctuary of Delphi was a religious center of ancient Greece. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes, this archeological site contains a series of modular monuments.

Delphi Map

Delphi Images

Delphi

Myths and Legends of Delphi

Enriched with many mythical tales and legends, this pan-Hellenic sanctuary was the site where the omphalos (the naval of the world) was found. During the Mycenaean period (14th – 11^th century BC), the site was dedicated to the Mother Earth deity. The Oracle of Delphi and the dedication to Apollo began in the 8^th century BC. According to legends, Apollo spoke through the oracle, known as the Pythia.

Apollo Temple of Delphi

Athina Pronaia Sanctuary at Delphi

Columns of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi

Delphi Pictures

Structural description of Delphi

Comprising many monuments within its territory, the site is an abode of great artistic structures. Residing on the southern slopes of Parnassus Mountain, the ruins of the Temple of Apollo was the center of the Delphic Oracle. Built in 4^th century BC, the structure exhibits Doric peripteral order. Numerous votive statues and treasuries are spread over in the area, starting from the entrance to the temple. Among them, the most impressive structure is the Treasury of the Athenians. It is another building in Doric order, which was built at the end of 6^th century BC by the Athenians. The Altar of Chians, the main altar of the site is located in front of the Temple of Apollo. An inscription suggests that, it was built by the people of Chios. A Ionic ordered stoa was made by the Athenians in 478 century BC, to house war trophies. A theater with 35 rows is located further above from the Temple of Apollo, which had the capacity to accommodate 5,000 spectators at a single time.

Delphi Tholos

Oracle of Delphi

Temple of Apollo at Delphi

Theater of Delphi

Treasury of Athens at Delphi

Commemorating Apollo’s famous victory over Python, the Delphic or Pythian Games are organized in the sanctuary in every 4 years, where all the Greek clans participate in various types of competitions.