The Oracle at Delphi

As we approached the hillside, I tried to think of the right question to ask the Oracle.  I had heard they were tricky, always covering themselves with a phrase that rhymed and had at least two meanings so that no matter what, they were correct in their prediction or advice. In ancient times, there were three priestesses that rotated duty sitting on a tripod over a chasm that released gases from deep in the earth.  The original prerequisite was to be a virgin in your 20’s, until one year a warrior fell in love with one and took her away.  After that scandal they switched to old women to avoid such a controversy.  They swore an oath not to reveal the methods and mechanisms of the Oracle, and the last one took the secret to her grave. 

Thousands would make pilgrimages from 1400BC until Christianity came to Greece and all Pagan temples were either abandoned or converted to churches.  Whole cities would raise collections to produce a statue or other offering for Apollo and the Oracle.  The custom was to give 10% from a successful military campaign plunder back to Apollo.  Those that gave early and often ensured a pass to the front of the line during high season.

All kidding aside, as a crossroads of the ancient world where many gathered, the purpose of the place became the exchange of information, the pursuit of knowledge and more humane ways of life.

The sacred way, entering into the holy ground of the temple of Apollo.  It was lined with statues-- bronze, marble, ivory, gold...all offerings of thanks to Apollo.

Numerous kingdoms, and then city-states built "treasuries" to contain the many gifts that the people would send.  If it was a big statue, it was mounted outside, a small gold box, inside.  The left wall that is bare now, used to contain a huge display of captured Persian weapons and chariots to celebrate the great victory at the Battle of Marathon where Athens prevailed over the Persians in 490BC.

The Temple of Apollo at the Oracle of Delphi.  The Oracle had left the building.  It was a beautiful kind of quiet. 

The block that looks like a domino of sorts was the original perch of the priestess.  The 3 legged stool indents and the hole for the gasses can all be seen.  It was raised up on its side for better viewing.  Catly Catbert stands guard.  Steady.

To free a slave, you carved the name in the "register" on the wall at Delphi, it was a final transaction for freedom.

On the way down from Delphi, olive trees as far as you can see.