Delphi

Delphi

Reads the inscription over the entrance at the temple of Delphi, reminding visitors that man must never believe himself to be more than mortal – and that no man can escape his destiny.

Situated between two towering rocks of Mount Parnassus and developed in the 8th century B.C., Delphi was an ancient religious sanctuary dedicated to the Greek god Apollo.

Greeks considered Delphi the center (or navel) of the world.

Myth has it that Zeus sent out two eagles, one to the east and the other to the west, to find the navel of the world and the eagles met at the future site of Delphi.

The central and most important part of Delphi was the temple of Apollo where the priestess Pythia, who was famed throughout the ancient world for divining the future and was consulted before all major undertakings.

In order to give a prophecy, Pythia would enter the temple of Apollo and would chew laurel leaves.

While chewing these leaves, she would fall in ecstasy and speak the words of God. These words were mixed up, so the priests of the temple would put the words in order and give the prophecy to the people.

Delphi was also home of the Pythian Games, the second most important games of Ancient Greece.

Delphi declined with the rise of Christianity and was buried under a new village until the late 1800s.

Today, the site, as well as the surrounding area is a major tourist attraction and a popular holiday destination.