The Oracle of Delphi Founded
Dating back to 1200 BC,
the Oracle of Delphi was
the most important shrine
in all Greece, and in
theory all Greeks respected
its independence.
Built around a sacred
spring, Delphi was considered
to be the omphalos-
the center (literally navel)
of the world. People came
from all over Greece
and beyond to have their
questions about the
future answered
by the Pythia, the
priestess of Apollo.
And her answers, usually
cryptic, could determine
the course of everything
from when a farmer planted
his seedlings, to when
an empire declared war.
Arguments over the correct interpretation of an oracle were common, but the oracle was always happy to give another prophecy if more gold was provided. A good example is the famous incident before the Battle of Salamis when the Pythia first predicted doom and later predicted that a 'wooden wall' (interpreted by the Athenian to mean their ships) would save them.
The lack of a strict religious dogma associated with the worship of Greek gods, also encouraged scholars to congregate at Delphi, and it became a focal point for intellectual enquiry, as well as an occasional meeting place where rivals could negotiate. Delphi became a fantastic showcase of art treasures and all Greek states would send rich gifts to keep the Oracle on their side. It finally came to an end in the 4th century AD when a newly Christian Rome proscribed its prophesying.
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