​Delphi – The center of the Earth

Visit Delphi with us, the centre of the earth, the place of the famous oracle, excellent craftsmanship, wise man and of course some of the most impressive buildings.

The drive to Delphi
Since we left Athens and made some progress the last time, it was just a pleasant morning drive through some mountains. As we drove through the valleys and made our way slowly up the mountainside, the temperature rose with the ascending sun, which was quite pleasant for us both. Having a good twenty degrees in late October is quite a thing if you’re not used to this kind of climate.
As we went on, we passed some small villages who offered ski lessons which gave us enough reason for shits and giggles. Also, the road signs from time to time which suggested to bring snow chains for the car with you.
Having a great time driving up there with the windows open and the air blowing in our faces we soon found Delphi. The sides of the roads full of cars and buses, we decided to drive on to the nearby village which was about five to ten minutes away from the site and is named Delphi as well. As we parked there, we could not resist sitting down, get a coffee and enjoying the view.

Something is going on in me, and I think most other peoples when you’re at a high point and the distance you can overlook is sheer endless. Sitting there with my best friend, having coffee and enjoying the moment while the sun was shining down on us, on an almost cloudless sky. From my experience, I can tell you that not much is getting close to moments like this. Most of the time I want something either entertainment or food or something. This moment, however, it was enough to just be.

The Delphi archeological site
After a short walk with a beautiful view over the valley, we stood in front of the entrance to the site. We thought of it being a little bit pricey at the time, but with the tickets, you get entrance to the museum as well. Since both of us wanted to visit and the place, although magnificent, isn’t something you do three times a year, so we got in and started exploring the site.

The history of Delphi
So kids, sit down and pay attention. There is another history lesson here with your uncle, Christoph. As always I’m not getting into the full story here but a few exciting details since I’m not about to write a book.

Delphi – the center of the Earth
The spot to build Delphi was in fact not chosen by men, but by Zeus himself. He let two eagles fly, each from one end of the world, to meet in the middle, which has to be the center of the earth. This spot happened to be what we know as today’s Delphi.
So people started to build temples and treasuries, houses and gymnasiums on this spot to worship their gods and do business as well as entertainment.

 

Delphi – the Oracle
Since recent Hollywood blockbusters, we all have a clear picture in our heads how this must have looked like. And in fact, it was not so far away. The Temple of Apollon was forbidden to all woman but to the one, which was the oracle herself. Although never found, the assumption is that there was a crack in the earth which relieved a gas that would give the priestess her visions.
The visions were interpreted through the priests at the site and would be given to those who seek wisdom. For good coin of course since the oracle had to be paid as well as the priests.
Another fact about the Oracle was that no precise statements were made and you could see each vision through one side or another.
When a leader asked for permission to wage war or the outcome of it, seeing a great leader die in battle, was, well, kind of expected I’d say. Both sides had empires and both leaders, but it was for the men who heard it, to think what they wanted. If they lost the battle and their lives on the field, they were told so but did not listen carefully. The oracle was right every time, no doubt.

By the way, I’d like to offer my skills as an Oracle as well. I can definitely get some substances which grant me visions, and for good coin, I will share them with you.

Delphi – the significance
Due to the Temple of Apollon, many gifts and treasures in the form of coins as well as beautiful art in all different kind of shapes and types were stored in treasuries on the site. I have to add there are quite many. For all different regions of Greece are similar ones, the only thing that differs is the size of the treasuries themselves.

At some point in time, the people of Delphi even started to manufacture their own coins. Due to natural disasters and the occasional war many buildings where destroyed and rebuild over time and slowly, but inevitably the site lost its significance. The Oracle stopped to exist at some point in time, and the massive Roman influence can be seen even today. In fact, the first thing you can clearly identify is the Roman Agora, which was built at the entrance to the ancient Delphi.

The desperate attempt to revive the significance of the site can be seen bu buildings like the Stadion of Herodes Atticus which worked for some time but could not stop the decent in long terms. This Stadium was in fact, the last big building made on this site and can be visited today.
Although I have to add when we made our way up the hill towards the site we did expect a little bit more. Well, I think there is a need for clarification here. Don’t get me wrong the building is Monumental and must have been one of the biggest sporting arenas of the time but the access to it is strictly limited. There is no way around it, and you can look at it from just one side which, at least in my books don’t give the best experience possible.

The racing track was used for horses and chariots as well as for javelin and discus throwing but the most exciting contest, for me personally must have been the (almost) 180-meter sprint. I’d have to add that the sprinters this time wore their helmets, shields, and greaves. Everybody who made the 100-meter race in school or something knows how demanding this can be but 180 meters and just short of a spear to be equipped for battle this has to be physically demanding AF.

As we made our way back, we chose the path on the upper side of the Theatre. Yes, of course, there was a Theatre, who would have doubted it, given the significance of the place.
The view from the top can let you sink into your own world with your own thoughts. Just imagine, sitting there with the Temple in the background and the smaller treasuries surrounding it. Listening to singing or watching a show, drinking beverages, snacking local food as the sun cats the first shadows on the valley below. In this moments, enjoying life itself, it must have been a truly magnificent place.

Then, we basically felt forced to leave since the sun was shining on the stones constantly and since we are fools, we both wore regular jeans to visit the site. Big mistake, even in late October we melted like cheese in the oven.

Delphi-Museum
What a great time to get inside the museum to see some more with AC-climate.
Inside the Museum were more delicate pieces on display, like the helmets and shields, the athletes wore for racing as well as for fighting. The looks of it alone, standing in front of them make you realize that the guys back then had to be tough bastards. I, personally think carrying those would not be a problem for me personally since I am about the height and weight of the average Spartan back in the days. But running, with other competitors, in front of a large crowd? I would either stumble and bury my head in the dirt or pass out in the sun wearing the full-metal helmet.

The other works of art there include statues and parts of the old temples. When you have a look at them, you might consider, that about 500 of those pieces of art had been removed by Nero, Emperor of the Romans at some point in time. A somewhat staggering number but it underlines the significance once more.
The Details and accuracy of the artwork are still absolutely stunning and show the amount of effort and skill of the craftsman. The colour of the artwork here is a little bit different to the site but give you slight hints what the buildings looked like before nature itself wore them down over thousands of years.

Inside the Museum, no flashes on the cameras are allowed but believe me, the artwork seems far better when you stand directly in front of it.

In general, I’d like to say that the visit was another fascinating trip and although I am not a big fan of museums, it was really worth it. The archaeological sites in Greece are just fantastic, and everyone, who had a history class in school will remember the names of the places, heroes and prominent men. Walking among the remains of those legends is genuinely a thing you should not miss if you have the opportunity.

After the museum, we headed back to Willie – the yellow hell-machine and went on to the next thing on our bucket list. The monument of Leonidas and the place where some of the most significant warriors of history stood against the Persian war machine. But this, as well as the sanctuaries of Meteora, are another story.