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'''Oracle of Delphi''' ([[Greek language|Greek]]  Δελφοί}}, [ðe̞lˈfi])  

'''Oracle of Delphi''' ([[Greek language|Greek]]  Δελφοί}}, [ðe̞lˈfi])  

==Location==

==Location==

<!-- [[Image:Map Greek sanctuaries-en.svg|thumb|200px|Delphi among the main Greek sanctuaries]] -->

<!-- [[Image:Map_Greek_sanctuaries_Delphi.gif|thumb|Delphi among the main Greek sanctuaries]] -->

Delphi is located in lower central Greece, on multiple plateau/terraces along the slope of [[Mount Parnassus]], and includes the Sanctuary of Apollo, the site of the ancient [[Oracle]]. This semicircular spur is known as [[Phaedriades]], and overlooks the Pleistos Valley. Southwest of Delphi, about 15 km (9.5 mi) away, is the harbor-city of [[Kirrha]] on the [[Corinthian Gulf]].

Delphi is located in lower central Greece, on multiple plateau/terraces along the slope of [[Mount Parnassus]], and includes the Sanctuary of Apollo, the site of the ancient [[Oracle]]. This semicircular spur is known as [[Phaedriades]], and overlooks the Pleistos Valley. Southwest of Delphi, about 15 km (9.5 mi) away, is the harbor-city of [[Kirrha]] on the [[Corinthian Gulf]].

==Dedication to Apollo==

==Dedication to Apollo==

The name ''Delphoi'' is connected with δελφ ''delph'' "hollow" or δελφός ''delphus'' "womb" and may indicate archaic veneration of [[Gaia (mythology)|Gaia]], Grandmother [[Earth]], and the [[Earth Goddess]] at the site. Apollo is connected with the site by his [[epithet]] Δελφίνιος ''Delphinios'', "the Delphinian", i.e. either "the one of Delphi", or "the one of the womb". The epithet is connected with [[dolphin]]s (the "womb-fish") in the [[Homeric hymns|Homeric ''Hymn to Apollo'']] (line 400), recounting the legend of how Apollo first came to Delphi in the shape of a dolphin, carrying [[Crete|Cretan]] priests on his back. The [[Homer]]ic name of the oracle is ''Pytho'' (''Πυθώ'').<ref>[[Odyssey]], VIII, 80</ref>

The name ''Delphoi'' is connected with δελφ ''delph'' "hollow" or δελφός ''delphus'' "womb" and may indicate archaic veneration of [[Gaia (mythology)|Gaia]], Grandmother [[Earth]], and the [[Earth Goddess]] at the site. Apollo is connected with the site by his [[epithet]] Δελφίνιος ''Delphinios'', "the Delphinian", i.e. either "the one of Delphi", or "the one of the womb". The epithet is connected with [[dolphin]]s (the "womb-fish") in the [[Homeric hymns|Homeric ''Hymn to Apollo'']] (line 400), recounting the legend of how Apollo first came to Delphi in the shape of a dolphin, carrying [[Crete|Cretan]] priests on his back. The [[Homer]]ic name of the oracle is ''Pytho'' (''Πυθώ''). [[Odyssey]], VIII, 80

Another legend held that Apollo walked to Delphi from the north and stopped at [[Vale of Tempe|Tempe]], a city in [[Thessaly]] to pick laurel, a plant sacred to him (generally known in English as the bay tree). In commemoration of this legend, the winners at the [[Pythian Games]] received a wreath of laurel (bay leaves) picked in Tempe.

Another legend held that Apollo walked to Delphi from the north and stopped at [[Vale of Tempe|Tempe]], a city in [[Thessaly]] to pick laurel, a plant sacred to him (generally known in English as the bay tree). In commemoration of this legend, the winners at the [[Pythian Games]] received a wreath of laurel (bay leaves) picked in Tempe.

Delphi became the site of a major temple to [[Phoebus Apollo]], as well as the [[Pythian Games]] and the famous prehistoric oracle. Even in Roman times, hundreds of votive statues remained, described by [[Pliny the Younger]] and seen by [[Pausanias (geographer)|Pausanias]]. Supposedly carved into the temple were three phrases: {{polytonic|γνῶθι σεαυτόν}} (gnothi seauton = "[[know thyself]]") and {{polytonic|μηδὲν ἄγαν}} (meden agan = "nothing in excess"), as well as a large letter [[Epsilon|E]].<ref>Hodge, A. Trevor. "The Mystery of Apollo's E at Delphi," ''American Journal of Archaeology'', Vol. 85, No. 1. (Jan., 1981), pp. 83-84.</ref> Among other things epsilon signifies the number [[5 (number)|5]].  [[Plutarch]]'s essay on the meaning of the ''“E at Delphi"'' is the only literary source for the inscription.

Delphi became the site of a major temple to [[Phoebus Apollo]], as well as the [[Pythian Games]] and the famous prehistoric oracle. Even in Roman times, hundreds of votive statues remained, described by [[Pliny the Younger]] and seen by [[Pausanias (geographer)|Pausanias]]. Supposedly carved into the temple were three phrases: {{polytonic|γνῶθι σεαυτόν}} (gnothi seauton = "[[know thyself]]" and μηδὲν ἄγαν (meden agan = "nothing in excess"), as well as a large letter [[Epsilon|E]]. Hodge, A. Trevor. "The Mystery of Apollo's E at Delphi," ''American Journal of Archaeology'', Vol. 85, No. 1. (Jan., 1981), pp. 83-84. Among other things epsilon signifies the number [[5 (number)|5]].  [[Plutarch]]'s essay on the meaning of the ''“E at Delphi"'' is the only literary source for the inscription.

From a late myth that deviates from much older ones, when young, Apollo killed the chthonic [[serpent (symbolism)|serpent]] [[Python (mythology)|Python]], named Pythia in older myths, but according to some later accounts his wife, [[Pythia]], who lived beside the [[Castalian Spring]], according to some because Python had attempted to rape [[Leto]] while she was pregnant with Apollo and [[Artemis]]. The bodies of the pair were draped around his Rod, which, with the wings created the [[caduceus]] symbolic of the god. This spring flowed toward the temple but disappeared beneath, creating a cleft which emitted vapors that caused the Oracle at Delphi to give her prophecies. Apollo killed Python but had to be punished for it, since she was a child of Gaia. The shrine dedicated to Apollo was originally dedicated to Gaia and then, possibly to [[Poseidon]].  The name [[Pythia]] remained as the title of the Delphic [[Oracle]].  As punishment for this murder Apollo was sent to serve in menial tasks for eight years.  A festival, the Septeria, was performed annually portraying the slaying of the serpent, the flight, the atonement and the return of the God. The Pythian Games took place every four years to commemorate his victory [http://www.ancientlibrary.com/seyffert/0178.html].

From a late myth that deviates from much older ones, when young, Apollo killed the chthonic [[serpent (symbolism)|serpent]] [[Python (mythology)|Python]], named Pythia in older myths, but according to some later accounts his wife, [[Pythia]], who lived beside the [[Castalian Spring]], according to some because Python had attempted to rape [[Leto]] while she was pregnant with Apollo and [[Artemis]]. The bodies of the pair were draped around his Rod, which, with the wings created the [[caduceus]] symbolic of the god. This spring flowed toward the temple but disappeared beneath, creating a cleft which emitted vapors that caused the Oracle at Delphi to give her prophecies. Apollo killed Python but had to be punished for it, since she was a child of Gaia. The shrine dedicated to Apollo was originally dedicated to Gaia and then, possibly to [[Poseidon]].  The name [[Pythia]] remained as the title of the Delphic [[Oracle]].  As punishment for this murder Apollo was sent to serve in menial tasks for eight years.  A festival, the Septeria, was performed annually portraying the slaying of the serpent, the flight, the atonement and the return of the God. The Pythian Games took place every four years to commemorate his victory [http://www.ancientlibrary.com/seyffert/0178.html].

[[Erwin Rohde]] wrote that the [[Python (mythology)|Python]] was an earth spirit, who was conquered by Apollo, and buried under the [[Omphalos]], and that it is a case of one deity setting up a temple on the grave of another.<ref>Rohde, ''Psyche'', p.97.</ref> Another view holds that Apollo was a fairly recent addition to the Greek [[Pantheon (gods)|pantheon]] coming originally from [[Lydia]]. The [[Etruscans]] coming from northern [[Anatolia]] also worshiped Apollo, and it may be that he was originally identical with [[Mesopotamian mythology|Mesopotamian]] Aplu, an [[Akkadian language|Akkadian]] title meaning "son", originally given to the plague God [[Nergal]], son of [[Enlil]]. Apollo Smintheus (Greek {{ polytonic|Απόλλων Σμινθεύς}}), the mouse killer<ref>Entry: [http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0057%3Aentry%3D%2395523 σμινθεύς] at Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon</ref> eliminates mice, a primary cause of disease, hence he promotes preventive medicine.

[[Erwin Rohde]] wrote that the [[Python (mythology)|Python]] was an earth spirit, who was conquered by Apollo, and buried under the [[Omphalos]], and that it is a case of one deity setting up a temple on the grave of another.<ref>Rohde, ''Psyche'', p.97. Another view holds that Apollo was a fairly recent addition to the Greek [[Pantheon (gods)|pantheon]] coming originally from [[Lydia]]. The [[Etruscans]] coming from northern [[Anatolia]] also worshiped Apollo, and it may be that he was originally identical with [[Mesopotamian mythology|Mesopotamian]] Aplu, an [[Akkadian language|Akkadian]] title meaning "son", originally given to the plague God [[Nergal]], son of [[Enlil]]. Apollo Smintheus (Greek {{ polytonic|Απόλλων Σμινθεύς}}), the mouse killer Entry: [http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0057%3Aentry%3D%2395523 σμινθεύς] at Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon</ref> eliminates mice, a primary cause of disease, hence he promotes preventive medicine.

==Oracle==

==Oracle==

[[Image:Pythia1.jpg|thumb|200px|Delphic Pythia sitting on a tripod, attended by a supplicant. Note the low ceiling that causes the Delphic oracle to stoop, the hollow floor and the barrier that separates Pythia from the supplicant.]]  

[[Image:Pythia1.jpg|thumb|Delphic Pythia sitting on a tripod, attended by a supplicant. Note the low ceiling that causes the Delphic oracle to stoop, the hollow floor and the barrier that separates Pythia from the supplicant.]]  

Delphi is perhaps best-known for the [[oracle]] at the sanctuary that became dedicated to Apollo during the classical period. With origins in prehistoric times and the worship of [[Gaia (mythology)|Gaia]], in the last quarter of the [[8th century BC]] there is a steady increase of artifacts found at the settlement site in Delphi. Pottery and bronze work as well as tripod dedications continue in a steady stream, in comparison to [[Olympia, Greece|Olympia]]. Neither the range of objects nor the presence of prestigious dedications proves that Delphi was a focus of attention for worshipers of a wide range, but the strong representation of high value goods, found in no other mainland sanctuary, certainly encourages that view.

Delphi is perhaps best-known for the [[oracle]] at the sanctuary that became dedicated to Apollo during the classical period. With origins in prehistoric times and the worship of [[Gaia (mythology)|Gaia]], in the last quarter of the [[8th century BC]] there is a steady increase of artifacts found at the settlement site in Delphi. Pottery and bronze work as well as tripod dedications continue in a steady stream, in comparison to [[Olympia, Greece|Olympia]]. Neither the range of objects nor the presence of prestigious dedications proves that Delphi was a focus of attention for worshipers of a wide range, but the strong representation of high value goods, found in no other mainland sanctuary, certainly encourages that view.

==The "Delphic Sibyl"==

==The "Delphic Sibyl"==

The [[Delphic Sibyl]] was a legendary prophetic figure who was said to have given prophecies at Delphi shortly after the [[Trojan War]]. The prophecies attributed to her circulated in written collections of prophetic sayings, along with the oracles of figures such as [[Bakis]]. The Sibyl had no connection to the oracle of Apollo, and should not be confused with the [[Pythia]].

The [[Delphic Sibyl]] was a legendary prophetic figure who was said to have given prophecies at Delphi shortly after the [[Trojan War]]. The prophecies attributed to her circulated in written collections of prophetic sayings, along with the oracles of figures such as [[Bakis]]. The Sibyl had no connection to the oracle of Apollo, and should not be confused with the [[Pythia]].

==Buildings and structures==

==Buildings and structures==

[[Image:Santuario de Apolo Pitio.gif|thumb|left|200px|Site plan of the Sanctuary of Apollo, Delphi]]

[[Image:Santuario_de_Apolo_Pitio.gif.gif|thumb|left|Site plan of the Sanctuary of Apollo, Delphi]]

Occupation of the site at Delphi can be traced back to the Neolithic period with extensive occupation and use beginning in the Mycenaean period (1600-1100 B.C). Most of the ruins that survive today date from the most intense period of activity at the site in the [[6th century BC]].<ref name"a">[http://www.ancient-greece.org/archaeology/delphi-archaeology.html Delphi Archaeological Site], Ancient-Greece.org</ref>  

Occupation of the site at Delphi can be traced back to the Neolithic period with extensive occupation and use beginning in the Mycenaean period (1600-1100 B.C). Most of the ruins that survive today date from the most intense period of activity at the site in the [[6th century BC]].<ref name"a">[http://www.ancient-greece.org/archaeology/delphi-archaeology.html Delphi Archaeological Site], Ancient-Greece.org</ref>  

===Temple of Apollo===

===Temple of Apollo===

The ruins of the Temple of Apollo visible today date from the [[4th century BC]] are of a [[peripteral]] [[Doric order|Doric]] building. It was erected on the remains of an earlier temple, dated to the [[6th century BC]] which itself was erected on the site of a [[7th century BC]] construction attributed to the architects Trophonios and Agamedes.<ref name"b">[http://www.ancient-greece.org/architecture/delphi-temple-of-apollo.html Temple of Apollo at Delphi], Ancient-Greece.org</ref>

The ruins of the Temple of Apollo visible today date from the [[4th century BC]] are of a [[peripteral]] [[Doric order|Doric]] building. It was erected on the remains of an earlier temple, dated to the [[6th century BC]] which itself was erected on the site of a [[7th century BC]] construction attributed to the architects Trophonios and Agamedes.<ref name"b">[http://www.ancient-greece.org/architecture/delphi-temple-of-apollo.html Temple of Apollo at Delphi], Ancient-Greece.org

 

The 6th century BC temple was named the "Temple of Alcmeonidae" in tribute to the Athenian family which funded its construction. It was a Doric [[hexastyle]] temple of 6 by 15 columns. The temple was destroyed in 373 BC by an earthquake with the third temple completed on the site by 330 BC. The third temple is attributed to Corinthian architects Spintharos, Xenodoros, and Agathon.<ref name="b"/>

The 6th century BC temple was named the "Temple of Alcmeonidae" in tribute to the Athenian family which funded its construction. It was a Doric [[hexastyle]] temple of 6 by 15 columns. The temple was destroyed in 373 BC by an earthquake with the third temple completed on the site by 330 BC. The third temple is attributed to Corinthian architects Spintharos, Xenodoros, and Agathon.<ref name="b"/>

===Castalian spring===

===Castalian spring===

[[Image:Delphi amphitheater from above dsc06297.jpg|thumb|200px|The theatre at Delphi (as viewed near the top seats).]]

[[Image:Delphi amphitheater from above dsc06297.jpg|thumb|200px|The theatre at Delphi (as viewed near the top seats).]]

==Media==

==Media==

 

{{multi-video item|filename=Delphi_Sights.ogg|title=Video tour of Delphi|description=A short movie showing Delphi's main sights, from [http://www.ianandwendy.com/OtherTrips/IcelandGreeceTurkey/Greece/index.htm here] |format=[[Theora]]}}  

[[Media:Delphi_Sights.ogg]]|title=Video tour of Delphi|description=A short movie showing Delphi's main sights, from [http://www.ianandwendy.com/OtherTrips/IcelandGreeceTurkey/Greece/index.htm here] |format=[[Theora]]}}  

 

==See also==

==See also==

==References==

==References==

*Broad, William J. ''The Oracle: Ancient Delphi and the Science Behind its Lost Secrets'', 2006. ISBN 1-59-420081-5.

*Broad, William J. ''The Oracle: Ancient Delphi and the Science Behind its Lost Secrets'', 2006. ISBN 1-59-420081-5.

*[[Walter Burkert|Burkert, Walter]], ''Greek Religion'' 1985.

*[[Walter Burkert|Burkert, Walter]], ''Greek Religion'' 1985.

*[[Manly Palmer Hall|Hall, Manly Palmer]], ''The Secret Teachings of All Ages'', 1928. [http://www.sacred-texts.com/eso/sta/sta14.htm Ch. 14 cf. Greek Oracles],[http://www.sacred-texts.com/eso/sta/index.htm www], [http://www.prs.org/secret.htm PRS]

*[[Manly Palmer Hall|Hall, Manly Palmer]], ''The Secret Teachings of All Ages'', 1928. [http://www.sacred-texts.com/eso/sta/sta14.htm Ch. 14 cf. Greek Oracles],[http://www.sacred-texts.com/eso/sta/index.htm www], [http://www.prs.org/secret.htm PRS]

*[[Herodotus]], ''The Histories''

*[[Herodotus]], ''The Histories''

*[http://omacl.org/Hesiod/hymns.html Homeric Hymn to Pythian Apollo]

*[http://omacl.org/Hesiod/hymns.html Homeric Hymn to Pythian Apollo]

*Parke, Herbert William, ''History of the Delphic Oracle'', 1939.

*Parke, Herbert William, ''History of the Delphic Oracle'', 1939.