Archaeological Site of Delphi - Fokida
Excavations at Delphi began in 1892, under the auspices of the French Archaeological School at Athens.
The sanctuary was surrounded by a precinct wall with several gates. The paved Sacred Way led up from the main gate to the centre of the sanctuary, where its most important building, the Done temple of the god, stood. Three building phases can be distinguished in the monument, the latest of which is dated between 373 and 330 BC. Below the adyton was the subterranean chamber in which the Pythia delivered the oracles. The Sacred Way was flanked right and left by monuments and votive offerings dedicated by the ancient cities to commemorate their victories: statues, relief compositions, 'Treasuries' (small temple-shaped edifices in which precious ex-votos were kept) and others. The most important are the votive offerings of the Lacedaemonians, the Arcadians, the Athenians, the bull of the Corcyraeans, the 'Wooden Horse' of the Argeians, the treasuries of the Sicyonians, the Siphnians, the Megarians, the Athenians and others. Above the northwest side of the temple is the well - preserved theatre (4th c. BC), with a capacity of some 5000 spectators. It was here that dramatic and lyric (singing to the accompaniment of the lyre) competitions took place. Higher up and outside the sanctuary is the stadium, the tiers of seats in which have survived in good condition. In addition to athletic contests, musical events were held here.
Located to the southeast of the sanctuary of Apollo is the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia. Preserved are the rums of an Archaic and later temple of the goddess, two treasuries and the famous circular building known as the Tholos. This architectural masterpiece combines the Doric order in the external colonnade and the Corinthian in the engaged columns on its circular walls. Beside the entrance to the archaeological site with its monuments, the Phaidnades rise sheer above the Kastalia Spring.
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