The Lesche of the Knidians: Knidos and the Delphic Apollo

Apollo Seated on Omphalos
Dewing 2566

The Knidians themselves had a long history with the Delphic Apollo. During the Persian wars, Knidos fell under Persian attack. In defense, the Knidians tried to separate themselves physically from the mainland by digging a trench through the peninsula. Many Knidians were injured as a result and an envoy was sent to question the oracle at Delphi. According to the oracle, Zeus did not approve of their work and the Knidians stopped their project and put all their faith into Apollo. Thus, when the Knidians helped Kimon to victory at the Eurymedon River, Apollo had fulfilled his promise. The construction of the Lesche was a response to the victory over the Persians. Pausanias remarked that most dedications were affordable only if a city was unusually rich or had just won a battle. (Paus. 10.11.5) Thus, the booty from the battle financed the monumental dedication.

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Introduction | Archaeology | Reconstruction | The Paintings | Layout and Design | Material and Color | The Iliupersis | Epigram by Simonides | The Nekyia | Chronology | Kimon | Knidos | Reflections in Other Media | The Niobid Painter | Drapery | Sculpture | Conclusion | Bibliography

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