Delphi: Sacred Way
unknown (Greek (ancient))
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Alternative Titles
Sacred Way of Delphi
Via Sacra
Date
-600Description
View of the omphalos or "navel", looking east towards the turn in the Sacred Way (the navel was deemed the center of the world and hence the significance of the site); The Sacred Way was once lined with tens of treasuries, literally "place where gold things are put," which housed the valuable and beautiful votive offerings provided by individual city-states and colonies. As a political oracle, Delphi served states, not individuals, and was rewarded by same. The Sacred Way of Delphi, with the Phaedriades, or "Shining Rocks," as a backdrop winds its way up the mountain in a series of serpentine turns, offering showcases at every turn for the votive offerings left behind by grateful city-states and island colonies. Delphi achieved the height of its fame during the 6th century BCE, as Greece passed from the Archaic to the Classical Age.
Type of Work
street; treasurySubject
architectural exteriors, deities, mythology (Classical), Pilgrims and pilgrimages, Classical
Rights
Rights Statement
Licensed for educational and research use by the MIT community only