1、The Delphic OracleDelphi Delphi, although now often related to Apollos name, was originally called Pytho and belonged to Gaea, mother of the earth. Python was a snake that guarded Delphi. One day, Apollo killed Python and replaced him. After Apollo killed python, he established a sanctuary there. Th

2、e name “Delphi” probably stems from Delphinios, an epithet for Apollo for his connection to dolphins.Pythian GamesTo celebrate his victory over Python, Apollo named his priestess of the Delphic oracle the Pythia and established the Pythian Games, which were held every three years as Greeces foremost

3、 sports competition, second only to the Olympics.Pythian Games were held every four years to celebrate the victory of Athens over the Phoenicians, who had attacked Delphi and tried to seize its treasures.the temple of Apollo the centerpiece of Delphibuilt with donations from every Greek city-state a

4、nd from abroad.on the outside of the base of the temple are over 700 inscriptions.the altar : memorials , statues, offeringsan outdoor theater Delphi was the site of the Delphic Oracle, and became the home of the cult of Apollo in the 8th century BC, and the most respected oracle in the ancient time

5、s. It was revered as the omphalos, the center of the world : two versions.In an ancient flood story about the human race ,the omphalos was the first thing to emerge from the waters as they receded.Zeus sent two eagles out from the ends of the earth, one from the west and one from the east. Where the

6、y met would be regarded as the center of the world. They met at Delphi, a wild and beautiful site at the foot of Mt .Parnassus. The Delphic Oracle had considerable influence across the country , and was consulted by people from the whole Greece and other areas, no matter of major undertakings: wars,

7、 the founding of colonies; or individual affairs : businesses, marriages, journeys and so on. A priestess, Pythia, went into a trance to communicate with the gods. Her wisdom was wrapped in riddles that were interpreted by her priests and relayed to the waiting pilgrims. Pythia must have been a vill

8、age woman, aged over 50, who had an immaculate life. The priestess and the petitioners had to be purified into the water of the Castalla Spring at the base of the Parnassus Mountain. Then, they would see if the god was in the mood for talking through the mouth of Pythia. A white goat was splashed wi

9、th cold water. If the animal trembled with all its body, it was a good sign and the question was addressed to the oracle. Petitioners had to make offerings, of course. And if the oracle was right, they would sent even more gifts. Thus, Delphi became enriched with the wealth of many nations. But Delphis golden age was not eternal. When the Christian emperor Theodosis banned the worship of Olympic gods in AD 390, the oracle was also banned. Although the temple has fallen, the rocky crags of Parnass