The Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi was developed over time but largely so during the Archaic period from the 6th and then up to the 3rd century BCE. The sanctuary (a holy place or a place of refuge) was a specific site, a location usually elevated from the surrounding area that also possessed a commanding presence and a view of the natural world, and was thought to be sacred to one or more gods.
These sanctuaries included outdoor altars or shrines and a natural element such as a tree, a rock or a spring of water that was believed to be sacred as well, The temples constructed within these sanctuaries were erected by the Greeks to protect the statue or statues of their gods and to store their dedications and votive offerings. Greek religion was anthropomorphic, that is, the Greek gods were male and female with distinct personalities and domains that they controlled. The Greek gods were immortal but possessed human emotions and flaws. The relationship between humans and their gods was one based on the concept of exchange- gods and goddesses were expected to answer prayers and humans were expected to give gifts. These offerings were a physical expression of thanks on behalf of the individual. The sanctuary here was dedicated to the god Apollo, one of the twelve Olympian gods, associated with prophecy and oracles, music, song and poetry, archery, healing, plague and disease, and the protection of the young. When you think of what he represented and what he had control over, Apollo's importance becomes clearly evident. A pilgrimage to Delphi, to both honor and appeal to the god for good fortune, would have held a prominent role for devotion in the Greek world. The sacred precinct of the sanctuary contained an altar in front of the temple, the temple being the house of the god, with a cult image of them on the inside of the temple. Ceremonies and the central ritual act of animal sacrifices took place outside for all to witness. As such, the temples and treasuries constructed within the sanctuaries were elaborately ornamented with relief sculptures that were also painted and highlighted with precious metals. The didactic quality of these works of art ornamenting the facade of the buildings was an important feature to honoring the gods but also honoring Greek culture and practice. Liquid offerings or libations were commonly made and religious festivals in honor of the god/s filled the year. The festivals that took place at Delphi to honor Apollo were held every four years and were attended by people from all over the Greek-speaking world, even from overseas. Each festival featured elaborate processions, athletic games, theatrical and poetry competitions, as well as sacrifices. As such, we see elaborate gateways, stairways and ramps constructed to lead into the sacred realm of the god, along with stadiums, theaters, temples, and treasuries to hold the dedicatory gifts to the god. As a center of the city-state, and of religious practice, these sanctuaries throughout the Greek world were a major focus of ancient Greek life. The amount of funding toward the artistic conception, production, and dedication of artful craftsmanship and skilled labor to these sites has been clearly recorded throughout history. It speaks to the same dedication to religious expression that societies in the ancient Near East, and Egypt afforded prior to Greek invention as well. For more on the Sanctuary of Apollo see the videos below: Sanctuary of Apollo, Delphi: https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ancient-art-civilizations/greek-art/daedalic-archaic/v/delphi Siphnian Treasury, Delphi: https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ancient-art-civilizations/greek-art/daedalic-archaic/v/siphnian APOTROPAIC DEVICES FROM THE ANCIENT WORLD |
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