DH.044 Temple of Apollo and Pillar of Prusias II

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Creator

Denis Baly

Creation Year

1978

Image ID

DH.044

Subcollection

DH: Delphi

Abstract

A view of the entrance ramp to the Temple of Apollo, with the Pillar of Prusias II to the right. The temple, an imposing and magnificent structure in its day, was the main attraction of Delphi and the seat of the Delphic Oracle. The pillar was later built nearby to honor the new king of Bithynia, and originally featured a statue at the top of the king on horseback.

Description

A view of the Temple of Apollo from the Northeast, with the Pillar of Prusias (right) seen in front. The temple was the seat of the Delphic Oracle and center of cult worship. Situated near the top of the Sanctuary, it overlooks and imposes down over the Sacred Way and the numerous treasuries and dedications to Apollo. The first temple here dates from the 7th century BCE, and after it burned down, the Alcmaeonids, a wealthy Athenian family in exile, replaced and expanded it around 510. The Alcmaeonid temple, also known as the Archaic temple, was destroyed along with so much of Delphi in the earthquake of 373, after which the temple seen here was constructed from 366-329. The large columns, made from poros stone, were originally covered with shining marble stucco. The pillar, erected in 182 BCE by the Aetolians to honor the new king of Bithynia, was one of many monuments around the temple and originally featured a statue at the top of the king on horseback.

Image Notes

Creation date unknown. Photograph processed July 1978. Notes written on the slide or index: Ramp at East end of Temple.

Image Format

35 mm slide

Geographic Reference

Delfoi, Greece