THE VOYAGE
DISTANCE: 150km
GOD: Apollo
PLACES TO SEE:
The Oracle
Temple of Apollo
Treasury of Athens
BEST TIMES TO VISIT:
Pythian Games (every eight tears)
Theophania (spring)
Theoxenia (summer)
GOD: Apollo
PLACES TO SEE:
The Oracle
Temple of Apollo
Treasury of Athens
BEST TIMES TO VISIT:
Pythian Games (every eight tears)
Theophania (spring)
Theoxenia (summer)
WHERE TO GO
1. THE ORACLE
If you are in need of a trip to an oracle, why not go to the best one in all of Greece? At Delphi, one can consult Apollo for advice on a wide range of issues, for a fee. Talk to the Pythia to find out if you really have what it takes to be a sophist like Socrates or if you should pursue a political career instead. Frustrated because your wife of a year has yet to become pregnant? Consult the oracle before making the final decision to divorce her. Before you have your slaves start planting the barley, head to Delphi to find out when growing season actually begins. It would also be recommended to bring extra coins, as her predictions are rather cryptic, so you may need a second oracle.
Famous Athenian Visitors
THEMISTOCLES
In addition to being trusted for the most accurate predictions about farming season, the oracle has provided Athens with the most superior advice during critical moments in past wars.
Recall the oracle's infamous advice to Athens during the Persian War after Themistocles ran to Delphi after Xerxes seized Attica:
"Though all else shall be taken, Zeus, the all seeing, grants that the wooden wall only shall not fail."
This prophecy saved thousands of Athenians their lives as Xerxes burned all of Athens to the ground shortly after Themistocles evacuated the polis once learning that "all else shall be taken."
The wise Themistocles understood that the "wooden wall" was in fact referring to the fleet of triremes which would be strategically utilized in the successful battle at Thalamus, leading the Athenians towards the triumphant victory over the Persians only a few decades ago.
SOLON
Athens would not have even have control over Salamis if it was not for the Athenian lawgiver from back in 593. Story has it that the Pythia told man who had eyes on the island:
"First sacrifice to the warriors who once had their home in this island,
Whom now the rolling plain of fair Asopia covers,
Laid in the tombs of heroes with their faces turned to the sunset"
Solon took the oracle's advice, of course, and successfully procured the island.
"First sacrifice to the warriors who once had their home in this island,
Whom now the rolling plain of fair Asopia covers,
Laid in the tombs of heroes with their faces turned to the sunset"
Solon took the oracle's advice, of course, and successfully procured the island.
2. TEMPLE AT APOLLO
After hearing your prophecy from the Pythia, head over to the temple of Apollo to pay homage to the god of the sun.
3. ATHENIAN TREASURY AT DELPHI
"The Athenians to Apollo as offerings from the Battle of Marathon, taken from the Mede."
After we triumphed over the Persian's in the Battle of Marathon, the Athenian government decided to erect a new treasury in Delphi to honor our the new greatness of our polis. Almost every Athenian agrees that our success in the Persian Wars a few decades ago was probably the most pivotal moment in our history. Any citizen of Athens who visits Delphi should come and visit the temple which was built to present our new power to the world.
In addition to marking a tremendous accomplishment in Athenian history, visitors have remarked on how breathtaking the structure actually is. The magnificent treasury is crafted completely out of exquisite marble. Along the south side of the temple is a limestone base. On the base stand ten bronze statues.
If you come to the treasury to bear gifts, be prepared for a difficult entry into the house of lavish offerings. The treasury sits on a raised podium which lacks steps for easy access.
After we triumphed over the Persian's in the Battle of Marathon, the Athenian government decided to erect a new treasury in Delphi to honor our the new greatness of our polis. Almost every Athenian agrees that our success in the Persian Wars a few decades ago was probably the most pivotal moment in our history. Any citizen of Athens who visits Delphi should come and visit the temple which was built to present our new power to the world.
In addition to marking a tremendous accomplishment in Athenian history, visitors have remarked on how breathtaking the structure actually is. The magnificent treasury is crafted completely out of exquisite marble. Along the south side of the temple is a limestone base. On the base stand ten bronze statues.
If you come to the treasury to bear gifts, be prepared for a difficult entry into the house of lavish offerings. The treasury sits on a raised podium which lacks steps for easy access.