G06: Ancient Greece - Living in the Past: Delphi

In ancient Greece, the people turned to their gods for answers to questions and problems that worried them. Both the god’s answer and the shrine where worshippers sought such advice were called an oracle. The most celebrated oracle was at the town of Delphi on the south slope of lofty Mount Parnassus.

Delphi was an important ancient Greek religious sanctuary sacred to the god Apollo. Located on Mt. Parnassus near the Gulf of Corinth, it was home to the famous oracle of Apollo which gave cryptic predictions and guidance to both city-states and individuals.

Delphi in legend previously called Pytho, in ancient times was a sacred precinct that served as the seat of Pythia, the major oracle who was consulted about important decisions throughout the ancient classical world.

Delphi was an ancient religious sanctuary dedicated to the Greek god Apollo. Developed in the 8th century B.C., the sanctuary was home to the Oracle of Delphi and the priestess Pythia, who was famed throughout the ancient world for divining the future and was consulted before all major undertakings.

Standing in the mountains in mainland Greece, surrounded by the ruins of Delphi, you immediately understand why this spot became one of the most important sanctuaries of the ancient world. Mount Parnassus rises high above the site and the sacred nature of this space is almost tangible

In ancient times, people from all over Europe traveled to Greece to have their questions about the future answered by the oracle of Delphi. Legend has it that she got her powers from vapors. Now, a four-year scientific study supports that notion.

Delphi lies between two towering rocks of Mt. Parnassus, known as the Phaidriades (Shining) Rocks, in the Regional unit of Phocis in Central Greece. Here lies the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Apollo, the Olympian god of light, knowledge and harmony.