Delphi
Delphi, is undoubtedly another obligatory stop for a traveling trip to Greece in 2024. Who does not know this magical and sacred place which for the ancient Greeks was the Navel (Navel) of the Earth, a spiritual area with sanctuaries and lthe most authoritative and respected oracle of all antiquity!
According to mythology, the two eagles sent by Zeus from the ends of the universe meet right here, thus declaring it the center of the world.Originally the site was sacred to Gaea, Goddess of Mother Earth and guarded by the ophid dragon Python, son of the Goddess born from the mud after the Great Flood, guarding the source of sacred water. Apollo killed the serpent because it had threatened his mother while she was waiting for the God. The sanctuary dedicated to Apollo was then built who wanted a virgin Pythian native of the town to become the high priestess living inside the sacred place in rigorous chastity professingthe oracles inspired by the divine breath. As per the consultants, the Pythia had to purify herself at the Castalia spring (which Apollo also did after killing the serpent), drink the sacred water, chew laurel leaves and absorb the vapors that the earth released from its cracks until she fell into atrance state. The Pythia, in the innermost cell of the temple, hidden from the sight of the pilgrims, was sitting on another tripod, a three legged stool just above the crack where the water from the Cassiotis spring flowed. At this point, those who needed an answer, after paying a tax and sacrificing a goat to Apollo, could ask the oracle and through its priests, the response was interpreted and formulated.
The Sanctuary was built by the Cretans when they arrived at the port of Delphi, Kirrha accompanied by the God who had the appearance of a dolphin and dates back to the Pan Hellenic period. Delphi is between two majestic rocks of Mount Parnassus in the Folice region of Central Greece. The sanctuary is dedicated to the God Apollo, bringer of light, knowledge and harmony. Its development began in the 8th century BC and is a stupendous complex created by man in perfect harmony with the natural environment that surrounds it made of fairy forests, mountains and sea.It had a strong impact throughout the ancient world, so much so that kings, dynasties and historical figures used to send gifts to gain Apollo's benevolence.
Center of the Amphilionic League, an association of twelve tribes of Thessaly and Sterea who controlled finances and designated priests chosen from among the inhabitants of Delphi. In the 6th century BC it was made autonomous and grew both in terms of territory and political and religious influence throughout Greece. The Pythian Games were organised, second in importance after the Olympics which were held every four years. Its prestige between the 5th and 4th centuries BC generated four sacred wars, conflicts for control of the sanctuary and its riches among the Greek population.The Byzantine emperor Theodosius abolished the oracle, it was destroyed by the Slavs in 394 BC and with the arrival of Christianity, it became an episcopal seat which was then abandoned in the 6th century AD.
Archaeological research began in 1860 by the Germans.In 1891 the Greek government allowed the French school of Athens to carry out excavations on the site which brought to light spectacular remains such as three thousand inscriptions which were very important for understanding and knowing the life of ancient Greece. In order to proceed with the research, it was necessary to transfer the inhabitants of the Kastri village to another area. The complex is spread over terraces in a natural amphitheater at the foot of Mount Parnassus about 500 meters above sea level. Today you can admire following the ticket office, an ancient stone road that will take you to the foot of the hill the Apollo Sanctuary with buildings, statues and columns. The theater has impressive steps where from above you can have a magnificent view of the old city and the surrounding landscape. And again the Gymnasium, the sacred source of Castalia, the Athena Pronaia Sanctuary with the Tholos from the 4th century BC, a circular structure with a three step base on which twenty columns rested.