Preview
Creation Year
May 1905
Image ID
W.072
Alternate Identifier
B22.072
Subcollection
W: Attica, Crete, Santorini
Abstract
View of the stadium from the entrance. On the right are pillars remaining from a Roman triumphal arch, with the start line in front of it. The stadium dates from the 5th century BCE, but it was heavily renovated in the 2nd century CE by Roman aristocrat Herodus Atticus.
Description
View of the stadium from the starting area with pillars remaining from the arched entranceway. The stadium dates from the 5th century BCE, but was heavily renovated by Roman aristocrat Herodus Atticus in the 2nd century CE. These renovations included the triple-arched entrance, a feature that is unique in Greece. The level field of the stadium is built into a steep slope, requiring the north side to be carved from the rock and the south side to be supported by a stone terrace. It is about 177 meters long, equivalent to 600 Roman feet. Inscriptions tell us that in addition to the 'gymnastics,' what we call track and field sports today, there were sometimes musical events as well. This is the best preserved stadium in Greece, and differs from its natural peers in Epidauros (DM) and Olympia (DI) in the curved sphendone on the west end.
References
Barber, Annabel, Charles Freeman, and Nigel McGilchrist, eds. Greece: The Mainland. 7th ed. 459-460. London, NY: Blue Guides Ltd., Somerset Books, 2007. "Stadium" info board at Delphi, from https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=126403
"The Stadium." Archaeological Museum of Delphi, https://delphi.culture.gr/stadium/
Image Notes
Photograph created August 9th, 1958. Processing date unknown. Formerly catalogued as B22.072. Notes written on the slide or index: Delphi - The Stadium.
Image Format
35 mm slide
Geographic Reference
Delphi, Greece
Image Location
Rights Statement
