Sacred Site
The Oracle of Delphi continues to fascinate visitors thousands of years after the last prophesy was delivered there. Known as the "most important shrine" in all Greece, poets, politicians, and philosophers alike visited or took part in ceremonies at Delphi ("The Oracle at Delphi" n.d.). The exact origin of the site and its oracle is unknown. It was used in the Mycenaean period as a sanctuary to worship a female deity prior to being used as the Hellenic seat of the oracle and temple to Apollo (UNESCO, 2014). Delphi became a major point of pilgrimage, as an annual festival called the Pythian Games (named after the oracle herself) was held there.
However, the oracle's power was at its peak in 1600 BCE (Nevins, n.d.). Although Delphi is the geographical location, the most important element of the site for ancient Greeks was the prophet herself: the Oracle at Delphi. Known as Pythia, the Oracle at Delphi channeled the god Apollo, and communicated the god's words to those who sought her counsel. Historians have suggested that either hallucination or "suggestion" might account for the phenomenon (Nevins, n.d.). Scientific research shows that there may be some evidence that Delphi does indeed have the potential to intoxicate: as Greek historian Strabo pointed out "the seat of the oracle is a cavern hollowed down in the depths & #8230; from which arises pneuma [breath, vapor, gas] that inspires a divine state of possession," (from Geography 9.3.5, cited by de Boer & Hale, 2013). These gases might be fumes that rose from the earth in the location of the sanctuary. "Analysis...
verdant hills of Delphi were a perfect place to perform rituals and ceremonies in honor of the gods. Olive groves, cypress trees, flowing waters, and distant mountains added to the magnificent aura of that sacred ground. While the origins of Apollonian festivals at Delphi are obscured by time, it is certain that Apollo was the presiding deity at this ancient site. By the eighth century BC, Apollo reigned over
Ancient history [...] Oracle of Delphi in Ancient Greece, including the important aspects of the cultural experience that took place at Delphi. Delphi was one of the most significant oracles in Ancient Greece. The Greeks submitted their most vital state constitutions to the oracle for approval, and the Delphian god answered the most sacred and important questions of the day, as well (Burkert 116). Culturally, the Oracle at Delphi
Medea: Since Medea was born as the Princess of Colchis and the niece of Circe, she was a powerful sorceress. Medea fell in love with Jason through the little help she received from Hera when on his quest for the Golden Fleece. Medea helped Hera to steal the sacred artifact for her beloved and received abduction in return. Medea had numerous adventures in her life including murdering her brother to distract
Greek Temple Architecture From Its Inception Through the Hellenistic Period Present day Greece still retains the Greek temples, shrines and sanctuaries of the pre-Hellenic period. The modern world of architecture and historians regards these temples very highly because of their unique and simple designs and also because of their apparent beauty and technical excellence. These temples have a profound history behind them because they stand testament to perhaps one of the
With respect to the mythology of the male gods, Zeus, Apollo, and Hephaestus seem to be a combination that matches the dynamism of their female goddess counterparts. These gods represent the good and the bad of males; they also represent the spectrum of power and balance of male energy. There is no one god or goddess myth that I feel fully represents the tension between male and female gods because
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now