the ruins of the delphic oracle 3D-Modell

the oracle exerted considerable influence throughout the greek world, and she was consulted before all major undertakings: wars, the founding of colonies, and so forth. she also was respected by the semi-hellenic countries around the greek world, such as lydia, caria, and even egypt. the oracle was also known to the early romans. rome's seventh and last king, lucius tarquinius superbus, after witnessing a snake near his palace, sent a delegation including two of his sons to consult the oracle.

for a list of some of the most noted oracular pronouncements of the pythia, go to famous oracular statements from delphi.

the oracle benefited from the macedonian kings. later it was placed under the protection of the aetolians. after a brief period the influence of the romans started to emerge, and they protected the oracle from a dangerous barbarian invasion in 109 bc and 105 bc. a major reorganization was initiated, but was interrupted by the mithridatic wars and the wars of sulla who took many rich offerings from the oracle. invading barbarian invasions burned the temple, which had been severely damaged by an earthquake in 83 bc. thus the oracle fell in decay and the surrounding area became impoverished. the sparse local population led to difficulties in filling the posts required. the oracle's credibility waned due to doubtful predictions. when nero came to greece in ad 66, he took away over 500 of the best statues from delphi to rome. subsequent roman emperors of the flavian dynasty contributed significantly towards its restoration. hadrian offered complete autonomy. also plutarch was a significant factor by his presence as a chief priest. however barbarian raids during the reign of marcus aurelius and removal of statues and other riches in effect looting by constantine i caused it to decay. the short reign of julian could not improve matters. however the oracle continued until it was closed by emperor theodosius i in ad 395. the site was abandoned for almost 100 years, until christians started to settle permanently in the area: they established the small town of kastri in about ad 600.


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