Preview
Creation Year
1978
Image ID
DH.034
Subcollection
DH: Delphi
Abstract
A view of the Halos, lit. 'threshing floor,' where plays were performed in honor of Apollo. This view looks over the Halos from above, with the Pleistos river valley in the background.
Description
View of the Halos (ἅλως), lit. 'threshing floor,' an open circular area ringed with seats, upon which ritual plays were performed. One such ritual, recorded by Plutarch, reenacted the slaying of the serpent Pytho by Apollo. On the left of the image, the Doloneia staircase runs down the hill, where actors in these sacred plays would run up to the stage area. In the center of the image sits the main area of the Halos, flanked on each side by exedra, the only two remaining of four which once surrounded the stage. During the earthquakes of 548 BCE a large circular pit was dug in the center to store votives and precious statues. Most notably, this pit included fragments of chryselephantine statues, miniatures, and a silver bull, all on display in the Delphi Archaeological Museum. This photo must have been taken from the edge of the Temple of Apollo, and the columns of the Athenian Stoa (DH.36) are visible in the foreground.
Image Notes
Creation date unknown. Photograph processed July 1978. Notes written on the slide or index: Sacred Way across the Halos.
Image Format
35 mm slide
Geographic Reference
Delfoi, Greece
Keywords
Stone, Masonry, Ruins, Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi
Image Location
Rights Statement
