GREECE18_DELPHI
DAY 8 | DELPHI
DAY 8 | September 6, 18
Today we headed for the City of Delphi. In Greece, Delphi was known as a neutral ground that also means ‘womb’ because it is the birthplace of many artists, poets, and songs. Historically, no one was allowed to destroy anything within the city. If one didn’t like the art from a particular city, they had to create something better to replace it, as art would never be removed. Delphi was home to the God Apollo. There you can find the remains of the temple. He was known as the God of light, logic and music.
On the way to the city we had a quick pitstop at Thermopiles; the battleground of the Spartans and the Persians. The history is that 2,500 years ago Greece was divided into small city states; including Athens and Sparta. Next to Greece was a huge empire called Persia who wanted to conquer Greece. Conquering Greece should have been an easy conquest however, thanks to the Spartans, it was not. The strategy of the Persians was to take advantage of the fact that the cities were enemies with one another. The Athenians were known for their logic and minds, where as the Spartans, were known for their ability to battle; Athens was a democracy while Sparta was based on military discipline.
Roughly three hundred Spartans were able to counter huge amounts of Perisan warriors who traveled by boat. The battle took place in three stages: The Persians were defeated by a big storm that sank their boats. The Spartans defeated their troops and held their line. The Spartans were betrayed but held their line and died fighting. Later the Athenians convinced the city states to fight together and they won. The Spartans, were since known as a symbol of heroism and courage.
100 years after the wars, Alexander the Great comes into the picture. His story goes like this: Alexander had a wise teacher commonly known as Aristotle. At age 14 or 15 Alexander started to fight as a warrior; speed was his greatest asset. He concurred Greece, then Turkey, and finally the Middle East. In five or six years he faced Persia and defeated them. He later went to India where he got sick. At the time there was no quick way home as it would take a matter of years. Alexander died on the way to Greece. His empire lasted a few years after his death until others took command; this took place around 300/400 B.C.
After our stop here we continued on to Delphi. Through windy roads we began to enter mountain territory. The city itself is high above the sea and has an incredible view. After arriving at our hotel we walked to the Temple of Apollo where we explored the museum before entering the ruins. The museum featured artifacts taken directly from Apollo’s Temple. Everything from masks, to tiny figures, to statues of Gods and sphinx from the 5th century B.C. When we walked outside to the temple itself you found remains scattered across a piece of land that sits high in the mountain tops. A path takes you through the area and leads you up to the temple, next to the stadium and finally up to the theater. This theater came in handy when itwas necessary to keep those who visited the temple entertained. Being that Apollo was the God of insight, light and inspiration you would have Grecian’s from all over come to Delphi to learn and explore.
There is a famous quote called, ‘Know thy Self’. It is said that before you were to ask a question to the Oracle you needed to understand yourself first.
Note from Rachel: To truly 'know thy self' I feel is way easier said than done. I feel at times that I have friends and family that know me way better than I know myself. I’m truly thankful for those people in my life that call me out on the hard things, don't sugarcoat the truth, laugh with me in the good times, be an alternate shoulder to cry on when times are tough. 10 hour time differences and birthday wishes from afar really let you know who wants to step up to bat for you.
