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The sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi
lies on a series of terraces on Mount Parnassos, between two huge rocks called
the Phaidriades. This was the center of Greek worship for centuries.
According to tradition, Delphiis the geographical center or navel, omphalos of
the world. Delphiwas first inhabited in Mycenaean times 14th-11th
centuries BC The main deity worshiped there then, was Ge the earth.
Later toward the 9th century BC cult of Apollo became established.
Mythology says that he first killed the Python, the snake that guarded the
oracle of Ge. The first stone temples were built toward the end of the 7th
century BC Apollo emphasized
compromise. His philosophy was history's first alternative to the "eye for an
eye" approach to resolving issues. Apollo symbolized respect for life.
"Moderation in all things," and ‘Know thyself." |
Delphi
The omphalos, in the Delphimuseum |
Delphiwas a sanctuary consisting of temples and
athletic facilities. It addressed the mind body and soul. It was dedicated to
Apollo and was the home of the Apythian Games (after Apollo). These games
occurred a month after the Olympic Games. The sanctuary remained active for
1,000 years between 700 BC and 300 AD. Delphiis famous for the Oracle where men
went to seek answers from the gods. At the Oracle the priestess sat on a tripod
near a place where vapors (sulfur fumes) came out of the earth.
Close to Arahova, the ski resort townon the main road from Athens to Delphi, lie
the southern slopes of Mount Parnassus, which towers 8061ft over the Gulf
of Corinth. 109 miles northwest of Athens, Delphican be reached by road
via Livadia and Arahova. |
