Introduction to the Ancient World: Greece

Lecture 16-17

Apollo and Delphi 

From Lect 14/15: Final thoughts on the Oresteia

I. Greco-Roman religion vs. modern religion

II. Apollo and where he came from: Python, miasma, apotropaic, additive vs. substantive change: Hyacynthus, mantic vs. orgiastic

III. A pilgrimage to Delphi: Temple, Treasuries (Siphnian Treasury c. 525 B.C.); Apollo, Herakles, and the tripod; the mechanics of consulting the oracle; Pythia

IV. Look for the classical essence: the Charioteer of Delphi (c. 480 B.C.); the Discus-Thrower (Discobolos) by Myron (c. 450 B.C.)

V. The role of Delphi

a. mediator between gods and men; omphalos
b. exegetai
c. morality? (Herodotus 6.86)

Lecture 16/17 Images


modified Mar. 3, 2005
s_davies@mail.utexas.edu