According to mythology, Zeus in the beginning wanted to establish the exact center of the earth, so he released two eagles from the ends of the earth, and they both met at Delphi. Thus, Delphi is known as the "navel" of the earth, and a large stone marks the spot at the temple complex. The real importance of the site, though, lay in the Oracle of Delphi. Every year, Greeks from all over would make pilgramages to Delphi to receive a prophecy from Apollo himself, and would do so bearing lavish gifts for the cult offerings. The fame of the oracle spread all over the known world and still today people speak of the Oracle of Delphi. According to historical findings, the person wishing to receive a prophesy would bring a goat for an offering. Before it was sacrificed, it had to give a good omen by shivering all over its body. Sometimes, the animal wouldn't do so, so cold water would be poured on it to speed up the process. When the animal finally trembled (in fear of Apollo--right...) it was sacrificed and the ritual would continue. The Pythian prophetess would then drink the sacred water from the stream and would inhale the natural methaline that poured out of the mountain, effectively bringing her "under the influence" of Apollo himself. At this point, the prophetess would give a prophesy that was both ambiguous and vague, leaving the interpretation up to the hearer. If someone truly "knew thyself", then they should be able to interpret the prophesy. One example was when the king Croesus was at war with Cyrus and the oracle told him, "If Croesus crosses the river, he will destroy a mighty empire..." LIttle did Croesus know that when he declared war on the Persians it would be HIS empire that would fall!
Besides temples and treasuries, the site at Delphi also has a very large theatre, which is one of the best preserved in Greece. Built in the 4th century BC, the theatre has a breathtaking view of the temple complex and the mountains in the distance. Another major feature of Delphi is the massive stadium at the top of the hill. Built in the 5th century BC, the stadium is the length of two football fields and has a track running around the center. Alongside the stadium are rows of seats for the spectators, and box seats and special judges seats were also evident.
The most significant aspect of our trip to Delphi, however, was in the museum. The famous bronze charioteer and the statues of the sphinx were impressive, but what I found most interesting was the stone tablet with Gallio's name inscribed on it. The tablet confirmed the name, title and date of the procounsul of Achaia who in Acts 18:12ff heard Paul's case in Corinth before dismissing it. While the stone doesn't change my faith, it is yet another confirmation of the validity and historical accuracy of scripture, and will forever change the way I read Acts 18.
This trip was awesome. The landscape was gorgeous and Delphi taught me a lot about ancient civilization. It's interesting that even then people thought about their futures so much and wanted to know desperately what lay ahead. The Oracle reminds me of an ancient Miss Cleo--delivering ambiguous prophesies and swindling people out of their money. I guess we haven't come very far in that regard. I guess human nature is human nature and although it may take different forms throughout the years, we are still the same people at heart.