DH.004 Gymnasium at Delphi from Northwest

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Creator

Denis Baly

Creation Year

1978

Image ID

DH.004

Subcollection

DH: Delphi

Abstract

The gymnasium, where athletes trained for the Pythian Games. Visible here is the bath complex and wrestling area, and the circular structure towards the front is a plunge pool, the largest of the baths.

Description

A view of the gymnasium, where athletes trained for the Pythian Games. The site dates from the 4th century BCE, but was rebuilt and expanded by the Romans. The complex is built on multiple levels, multiple tracks dug out of the hillside. On the highest level, a xystos (ξυστός), or covered track, allowed training in all seasons and weather. An open air track ran parallel, and below them sat a series of cold baths and a Palaestra (παλαίστρα), or wrestling area enclosed in a peristyle court. The circular structure towards the front of the image is the largest of these baths, with the Palaestra behind. The tracks above it were not visible when the photograph was taken, but have since been excavated.

References

"Delphi. The Marmaria and Gymnasium." Odyssey, Adventures in Archaeology. April 30, 2024. https://www.odysseyadventures.ca/articles/delphi/articleDelphi03.html

Barber, Annabel, Charles Freeman, and Nigel McGilchrist, eds. Greece: The Mainland. 7th ed. 467-468. London, NY: Blue Guides Ltd., Somerset Books, 2006.

Image Notes

Photograph created June 3rd, 1978. Photograph processed July 1978. Notes written on the slide or index: Gymnasium from W, Delphi.

Image Format

35 mm slide

Geographic Reference

Delfoi, Greece