ARC 111 Chapter 19: The Delphic Oracle

• School: University of Kentucky
• Department: Architecture
• Course: ARC 111
• Professor: Andrew Manson

Document Summary

The influence of the oracle of delphi was felt throughout the mediterranean world. Herodotus had traveled widely in persia and greece. The legends, customs, and history of the regions. Delphi was the seat of the most famous oracle of antiquity. In earliest times the oracle belonged to the earth goddess gaea, who sent the serpent python to guard the chasm from which the prophetic vapors emanated. Apollo seized control of the oracle by slaying the serpent, an act for which the god was required to seek purification and to perform penance for either years. The penance and purification of apollo were commemorated in a sacred drama that was enacted at delphi at first every eight years and later every three years. These panhellenic ceremonies, which included musical competitions and athletic events, were call the. Pythian games; the priestess who received the oracle from apollo was called the pythia. advice from the oracle came to delphi as suppliants.