The Center of the World

In the museum we saw a 4th century BC marble egg, a pedestal and the cake topper (Dedicated around 330 BC)with three “Dancing Girls” (this was the name of it, I am not making this up).  Later it was believed that they were the three daughters of the King of Athens.  This whole structure was called the Omphalos and was the symbol that Delphi was the center of the world.  The myth goes that Zeus released two Eagles…one to the West and one to the East.  The Eagles started at the same time, flew the same speed and met in the middle…THE CENTER OF THE WORLD.  This is where Zeus dropped a rock and so the Omphalos was built to mark the spot.

As we were exploring the actual Sanctuary in 100 degree heat, we found the base where the Omphalos would have been and here we are…AT THE CENTER OF THE WORLD!!!

Another place we really enjoyed was the stadium.  It was a half hour climb UPHILL in the heat but worth the view:  Check out the starting blocks too.

 

Here is what the Temple of Apollo looked like in its hay day and what it looks like today.  What a view from above!

So not only is this the Sanctuary of Apollo but it is also the home to the famous Oracle.  I did not find any information about the Oracle on our whole tour today.  I am not sure why that is but I will honor the code and keep it hush, hush…