Delphi

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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.

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The Oracle
of Delphi

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Widely renowned

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.

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Definition

Oracle has different related meanings, which sometimes leads to confusion. The word can signify:

The shrine

The prophecy

The medium (go-between)

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How it worked

The Oracle was a several-step process:

Query
Visitors posed questions through a medium to Apollo. They could range from personal ("Should I plant more olive trees?") to serious matters of state.

Answer
Apollo's prophecy 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.)

Translation
Delphi priests would then translate the prophecy for the eagerly waiting pilgrim.

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Vagueness

The answer (oracle) was often purposely ambiguous to minimize the chances of it being wrong. A famous 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.

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Impressive site

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Setting

Delphi lies on a steep mountain slope with an arresting view of a valley and, in the distance, the Gulf of Corinth.

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Multiple sights

Delphi has many interesting archaeological ruins for tourists 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).

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Other Delphi
tips & insights

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Closed by decree

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.

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Discovery

Delphi was discovered in the late 19th century hidden under a working village, which was relocated so that excavations could begin.

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Museum

Delphi has an outstanding onsite archaeological museum. Standout artworks include the Bronze Charioteer and the friezes of the Athenian and Siphnian Treasuries.

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Geo-centric

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.

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Getting there

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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