We roamed Delphi in Greece today, walking among majestic ruins and modern interpretations of what one of the great cultures of the world was up to in constructing this place.
The quick backstory is that ~1700BC the area was deemed to be a sacred place, or Oracle, and Gaia assumes control. She is believed to be the source of all life on Earth to the Greeks. Phiobe takes over next, then Apollo. Once a year, people traveled there to ask for predictions and advice. If you were late, or there were too many people in line, then you waited until next year, so folks lined up for days. It was a tougher ticket to get than Taylor Swift!
The people asking for advice tended to be upper echelon folks, like generals, politicians and wealthy folks. They also brought expensive thank you gifts, like the sphinx shown above that rested atop a 42 foot pillar.
Eventually the number of requests grew so large that they went to monthly, except for the three that Apollo went north, because even gods need a vacay.
Here's where it gets interesting. Apollo also handed over this process to goddesses, but they were kept in a room and in a constant high from sulphur fumes and laurel. So a dude received the request for a prediction and takes it to her. She lets out screams and wails. He decides what that means, and takes the answer back to the requestor.
It was not uncommon for the answer's wording to be left open to interpretation, but because these are wise folks that you've traveled a long way for, you take the answer without question and decide what it means.
An example we were give was a child prediction of "girlnotboy". Notice the lack of punctuation and capitalization, for none was given. It could mean "girl, not boy" or "girl not, boy".
Most likely, the questions were more important: Should we go to war? Should we settle for peace? What should we grow next year?
Anyhow, the whole place is spectacular, with some well-preserved artifacts and wonderful guides and workers. Plan of spending the day, as it took two hours each way to get there from Athens.
Note: All pictures were taken by the author.
Wonderful post. Thanks for taking us to ancient Greece. Though I must admit my IT mind first jumped to databases when I saw the words Delphi and Oracle in the short description of the post :D
I love these ancient stories, though I have always been pissed about how the oracles were essentially under house arrest with the high strung state that they were kept in. Vestal virgins are also associated to Delphi are they not?
If I could ever time travel without any chance to actual interact or change anything I would so love to see these areas of history as they happened. Where is Dr. Who when you need him?
Have a fun time both of you. Cheers from a fellow #dreemerforlife
Yes, the women were kept under the influence of drugs. Men interpreted their babbles to provide vague answers to those who paid lavishly for them. Sounds like modern politicians, eh?
Okay, I can just imagine the scene, the enquirer receives the prediction and goes, "The gods have spoken, interprete it the way you understand it". And then when the gods go on vacation, the seeker has to wait for them to return... Interesting post!
#dreemerforlife
Thank you so much for sharing the Historic story, it was truly an inspiring and interesting post.
Popped in from Dreemport, always an awesome #dreemeeforlife
This is very fascinating! I would love to visit a place like this someday, even if it just for the experience.
The ancient Greeks had some amazing history and architecture. I was here at the turn of the century. Like any older European archaeological site I just love the sense of deep history we feel.
Wonderful post that brings back memories.
Popped in from dreemport tonight, #dreemerforlife
Wow! Would you look at these pictures. I would love to visit here someday.
#dreemerforlife
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