Destination: Delphi, by Dylan Schepers

Where is Delphi?

Delphi is by Mount Parnassus, about two and a half hours north of Athens

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The Myth of the Oracle at Delphi

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In ancient times the Oracle was believed to be at the center of the world. According to Greek mythology, 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.

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Delphi has been inhabited since Mycenaean times, however, it’s fame as the Oracle only surfaced in the 8th century. B.C. when Delphi became internationally known. Delphi was originally built as a sanctuary honoring Apollo. Generals, kings, heads of state and common folk of all ranks came to the Oracle of Delphi to ask Apollo's advice on the best course to take in all major decisions such as war, politics, love and family.

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The oracles of Delphi were given in a chamber in the Temple of Apollo called the adyton. The Pythia was the priestess who, using the Oracle’s power, foretold the future which was then interpreted by the priests of Apollo. According to many ancient authors such as Plato and Cicero the Pythia received her oracles from a chasm in the earth that emitted vapors which would send the Pythia into the trance-like state.

Themistocles and the Oracle

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It is said that when the Persians ready to attack Athens, Themistocles consulted the advice of the Oracle which gave him a winning strategy that led to the Greeks' victory in the naval battle of Salamina. The Oracle had simply advised that "wooden walls" would aid to victory, and Themistokles interpreted walls to mean the wooden ships of the Athenian fleet.

The Aftermath of Delphi

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The Romans gained control of the sanctuary of Delphi in 191 B.C. and over the next few centuries the Oracle slowly began to lose its influence.

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Today Delphi is one of the most important archaeological sites of Greece. Delphi is a stop for almost all Greek tourists who come to view mountainous landscape and the spectacular remains of the Sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena.