Delphi

ancient Greece · prophecy · mythology

Home of the Oracle. Delphi was the most important sacred place in ancient Greece, and people from all over the world traveled there to ask the Pythia, a priestess, what the gods wanted them to do about important decisions.

Pythia the Priestess. The Pythia would sit in a special room and speak prophecies that people believed came straight from the god Apollo. Her mysterious, sometimes confusing words were considered absolutely true guidance from the gods.

Center of the World. Ancient Greeks believed Delphi was the exact center of the world, and they marked this spot with a stone called the Omphalos, which means navel in Greek, just like the belly button at the center of your body.

Trusted by Leaders. Kings, generals, and important people from across Greece and beyond would journey to Delphi to ask for advice before making big decisions about wars, laws, or their futures.

Sacred Mountain Home. Delphi sat high up on the slopes of Mount Parnassus in central Greece, making it a dramatic and mysterious place that felt connected to the gods.