Delphoi : to Kentro tou Archaiou Kosmou

Greek translation by Michalis Makropoulos of "Delphi: A History of the Center of the Ancient World" For more than 1,000 years, the Sacred Oracle of Delphi was considered the navel of the earth, the center of the ancient world. Leaders, kings, and commoners came from all over the Mediterranean and beyond to consult the sages of the Oracle, to erect monuments of gold, ivory, bronze, marble, and stone in honor of their gods, and to participate in athletic and musical contests. This book is the first comprehensive history of this magical and unique place, from its foundation to its discovery, demonstrating more clearly than ever why Delphi was one of the most important places in the ancient world for so long. With an in-depth text and rich photographic material, Michael Scott covers the entire history and nature of Delphi, from the literary references and archaeological finds to its establishment as a place of worship, but also the enduring allure of the Pythia, despite the ambiguous her oracles. It describes how Delphi became a bone of contention between Greeks and Romans, but also a place to store treasures of rival city-states and foreign kings. It also examines the gradual decline and how the place's significance and importance continues to change to this day. Finally, for the modern visitor to Delphi, the author includes a short guide indicating the must-see places as well as treasures unknown to the general public. 435p. bibliography, notes, map.