Post by kartadolofonos on Dec 16, 2007 13:13:33 GMT -5
Video tour oF Delphi
In ancient times it was the site of the most important oracle, dating into prehistoric times as a site for the worship of Gaia and in classical times, converted to that of the god Apollo.
Delphi was revered throughout the Greek world as the site of the omphalos (ïìöáëüò) stone, the centre of Earth and the universe. In the inner hestia (ἑóôßá), or her hearth, of what would become the Temple of Delphic Apollo (Ἀðüëëùí Äåëößíéïò — Apollon Delphinios), an eternal flame (Üóâåóôïò öëüãá) burned. After the battle of Plataea, the Greek cities extinguished their fires and brought new fire from the hearth of Greece, at Delphi; in the foundation stories of several Greek colonies, the founding colonists were first dedicated at Delphi
Delphi is located on a plateau on the slope of Mount Parnassus, next to the Sanctuary of Apollo, the site of the ancient Oracle. This semicircular spur is known as Phaedriades, and overlooks the Pleistos Valley. Southwest of Delphi, about 15 km away, is the harbor-city of Kirrha on the Corinthian Gulf.
The name Delphoi is connected with äåëö delph "hollow" or äåëöüò delphus "womb" and may indicate archaic veneration of Gaia, Grandmother Earth, the Earth Goddess at the site. Apollo is connected with the site by his epithet Äåëößíéïò Delphinios, "the Delphinian", i.e. either "the one of Delphi", or "the one of the womb". The epithet is connected with dolphins (the "womb-fish") in the Homeric Hymn to Apollo (line 400), telling how Apollo first came to Delphi in the shape of a dolphin, carrying Cretan priests on his back.