Delphi Part II: The Other God

The great reputation which Delphi enjoyed throughout the whole classical period of history was the result of three sets of circumstances. Firstly, in the age of Greek colonization no other place disposed of so much general knowledge about the whole Mediterranean littoral. Secondly, from the beginning of the seventh to the middle of the sixth century B.C. Delphi enjoyed the patronage and enthusiastic approval of the fabulously rich kings of Lydia. Thirdly, when this precious support suddenly failed, the Sanctuary became deeply indebted and deeply committed to an unusually wealthy Athenian clan, the Alcmaeonids, some members of which were among the cleverest statesmen in history. But subsequently, when the Persian threat turned into the reality of the great invasion, Delphi had shown signs of “Medizing”, the Greek name for “Collaboration”, and this was temporarily harmful to the repute of the priesthood. Nevertheless, for a brief spell the flush of victories over Persians at home and over Carthaginians in the West brought gratitude and glory to Pythian Apollo.