DH.019 Detail of Massalian Treasury in Sanctuary of Athena

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Creator

Denis Baly

Creation Year

1978

Image ID

DH.019

Subcollection

DH: Delphi

Abstract

Detail of bead and reel molding on the Massalian Treasury. The treasury was constructed by Greek Colonists to store sacred offerings, and was one of the most ornate buildings in all of Delphi, shown by these intricate carvings on the base

Description

A detailed view of the Northeast corner of the Massalian Treasury, showing the intricate bead and reel molding around the base. The Treasury, also known as the Treasury of Massaliots or the Aeolic Treasury, was constructed by the Greek colonists of Massalia, modern Marseille, to commemorate a victory over Carthaginian or Roman adversaries in the 6th century BC. It was incredibly ornate, and, like other Treasuries at Delphi, housed sacred offerings made by that state. Pausanias, in his writings, mentions this treasury specifically and the presence of bronze votive offerings within it. The bead and reel molding is characteristic of classical architecture, and this is an early example of it.

Image Notes

Creation date unknown. Photograph processed July 1978. Notes written on the slide or index: Massiolate Tr.: Bead + reel Molding, Massiolate Treasury - detail.

Image Format

35 mm slide

Geographic Reference

Delfoi, Greece