Greek religion - The oracle at Delphi Flashcards
Where is Delphi located?
On the lower slopes of Mount Parnassus.
To which god was Delphi sacred?
Apollo, in his capacity as god of prophecy.
What significant event occurred in Delphi every four years?
The Pythian games in honour of Apollo.
What is the Delphic Amphictiony?
An association of Greek city-states that conducted the Pythian Games and managed the sanctuary’s finances.
What was the role of the Pythia?
She was the priestess who consulted the oracle and pronounced prophecies.
What are the four great Panhellenic sanctuaries?
- Olympia (Zeus) * Nemea (Zeus) * Delphi (Apollo) * Isthmia (Poseidon)
What separates the two sections of the sanctuary?
A peribolos or wall.
What does the omphalos represent?
The ‘belly button of the world’, linked to the myth about Zeus.
What significant inscriptions were found inside the temple porch?
- ‘KNOW THYSELF’ (γνωθι σεαυτον) * ‘NOTHING IN EXCESS’ (μηδεν αγαν)
What major event did the Serpent Column commemorate?
The Battle of Plataea in 479 BC.
What was the purpose of a treasury in Delphi?
To house religious dedications and valuable objects as offerings to Apollo.
What was unique about the Athenian Treasury?
It was possibly set up using spoils from the victory against the Persians at Marathon.
What was the Siphnian Treasury known for?
Its impressive architectural sculptures and scenes depicting the Gigantomachy.
What type of events were held at the Theatre in Delphi?
Festivals in honour of Dionysus and musical competitions during the Pythian Games.
What was the function of the stadium in Delphi?
It was used for running races and field events during the Pythian Games.
How often could individuals consult the oracle?
Only on the first day of the month for nine months.
What was the process for the Pythia to prepare for consultation?
She purified herself in the Castalian Spring and made offerings to Apollo.
What did the goat’s reaction signify during the consultation process?
If the goat shuddered, divine consultation could proceed.
What was the role of the priests during the oracle consultations?
To verify that divine consultation could take place and possibly interpret the Pythia’s prophecies.
What significant question did King Croesus ask the oracle?
Whether he should go to war against the Medes.
What was the Delphic reply to Themistocles regarding the Persian invasion?
‘Trust in your wooden walls.’
What does the term ‘Socratic paradox’ refer to in the context of Delphi?
Socrates being declared the wisest man for knowing that he knows nothing.
What ambiguity is often associated with the oracle’s prophecies?
The god speaks ambiguously, leading to potential misinterpretation by humans.
Fill in the blank: The Pythia was a _______ Delphian woman.
chaste
