consulting the oracle at delphi
Day 15: Delphi was the spot that Greek’s rich, famous and powerful went to consult the Oracle before important occasions (wars, weddings, big nights out). The archeological site, just out of town, was well worth the visit and we got a good sense of the portentious nature of the occasion that any visit to the Oracle must have been as we walked up the Sacred Way (main drag), passing various city-state Treasury Buildings on the way up to the Temple of Zeus where the Oracle dispensed her wisdom.
Only one building, the Athaenian Treasury, has been restored to any sense of former grandeur.
An interesting fact about Delphi is that, for some time, the Oracles were young women. This later changed as too many of the Oracles were running off with the (wealthy, good looking) people who came to seek their advice. Thereafter the Oracles were all old women.
An unexpected delight at Delphi was the ancient stadium, high and at the rear of the archeological site, which was in magnificent condition. It was such a magnificent sight that Kate was inspired to break into an Olympic-style dash.
Delphi, the modern town, was a pretty spot, two main streets just hugging on the side of a cliff with spectacular views into the valley below.
Posted: July 12th, 2007 by andrew under Greece, Delphi.
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