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From the stadium at the north-west end of Delphi an ancient steep and rugged path, ‘the evil staircase,’ ascends in a zigzag cut in the rock, including more than a thousand steps, over a ridge to a small upland plain. On the east are the upper slopes of Parnassus, on the north a lower line of hills. In the face of the most easterly of these next Parnassus is the Corycian cave, about 500 feet above the plateau, perhaps eight miles (three hours) from Delphi. It was sacred to Pan and the Nymphs (Paus. x. 32. 7; Inscr.). The great chamber is some 200 feet long, 90 feet broad at the widest point, and 20 to 40 feet high. Dripping water has formed a grove of stalagmites and stalactites. It must have provided an admirable refuge, being connected by a narrow passage with an inner cave.

τοῦ προφήτεω: cf. vii. 111. 2 n.

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