The city of Delphi had been in existence for centuries when in the seventh century BC, it became the capital of the association of Greek states known as the amphictyony. It is a powerful coalition of central Greek states.
The name Delphi may commemorate Apollo’s cult title Delphinios (meaning dolphin or porpoise).
In the middle of the century, a temple to Apollo was erected at Delphi to celebrate the god’s victory over large snake, the python.
Ancient Delphi was the seat of the oracle of Delphi, who made prophecies that effected many events in Greek history; it was an important cultural as well as a religious center.
The site was abandoned after the Orthodox Christian Byzantine Emperor Thoedosius I of Rome ordered all ‘pagan’ celebrations to be abolished, forever.
Delphi was also the location of quadrennial Panhellenic Games which included musical and poetical as well athletic and equestrian contests.
City of Delphi
