TREASURY OF THE ATHENIANS

DELPHI, GREECE

image Numbers 392,393

Delphi is an archaeological site on the south-western spur of Mount Parnassus. The site is located in upper central Greece, on multiple plateaux/terraces. Delphi became the site of a major temple to Phoebus Apollo, as well as the Pythian Games and the famous prehistoric oracle. The sibyl or priestess of the oracle had to be an older woman of blameless life chosen from among the peasants of the area. She sat on a tripod seat over an opening in the earth (the "chasm"). Intoxicated by the vapors, the sibyl would fall into a trance, allowing Apollo to possess her spirit. In this state she prophesied. People consulted the Delphic oracle on everything from important matters of public policy to personal affairs. Near the entrance of the site are numerous treasuries. These were built by the various Greek city states to commemorate victories and to thank the oracle for her advice. They are called "treasuries" because they held the offerings made to Apollo. The most impressive is the restored Athenian Treasury, built to commemorate the Athenians' victory at the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC.

TECHNICAL NOTES

Image 393 (top)

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 100. Exposure of 1/223th of a second and aperture F11. 80mm Schneider Kreuznach lens with leaf shutter. The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.

Image 392 (middle)

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 100. Exposure of 1/320th of a second and aperture F11. 80mm Schneider Kreuznach lens with leaf shutter. The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.