Travelling to Delphi and Olympia
The Panhellenic sanctuaries of Delphi and Olympia were two of the most important places in the world for the ancient Greeks. Ancient literature teems with stories of petitioners coming to Delphi to consult the oracle, often enduring long sea voyages or treks over land in order to hear the oracle's advice. Athletes, too, from all parts of the Mediterranean, journeyed to the Panhellenic Games at Delphi and at Olympia to vie for the victory garlands. City-states lavished the two sanctuaries with monumental buildings and precious dedications. Ancient visitors to the Panhellenic sites were bound by similar religious beliefs, a common language, and their shared sense of being Greek, though they came from an enormous geographical area stretching from modern-day Spain in the West to the Crimean peninsula in the Black Sea.
These pages will explore the journeys of travellers to the Panhellenic sanctuaries at Delphi and Olympia. While plenty of textual descriptions of ancient travel survive, this project will pair the writings with illustrations and customized maps, as well as information on Greek colonies and ancient navigation.
Read on, to learn not only about ancient travellers, but also something of what it was like to get from place to place, who was going where, and some history about colonies and trade.
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The Athenians and Lacedaemonians and their allies made a treaty, and swear to it, city by city, as follows: 1. Touching the national temples, there shall be a free passage by land and by sea to all who wish it, to sacrifice, travel, consult, and attend the oracle or games, according to the customs of their countries.... Thucydides, Histories, 5.18.2 |
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