The Ancient Greek theatre of Delphi, situated on the southwestern slope of Mount Parnassus, is a significant archaeological site that showcases the grandeur of ancient Greek culture and architecture. Constructed in the 4th century BC, the theatre was an integral part of the Pythian Games, one of the four Panhellenic games of Ancient Greece. It was also a place where plays were performed during religious festivals. The theatre, with its 35 rows that could accommodate around 5,000 spectators, is a testament to the architectural prowess of the ancient Greeks. Its exceptional acoustics, panoramic views, and intricate design make it a marvel of ancient engineering.
Historical Places
Delos
Delos is a small island in the Aegean Sea, part of the Cyclades archipelago in Greece. It is one of the most important mythological, historical, and archaeological sites in Greece. In Greek mythology, Delos is the birthplace of the twin gods Apollo and Artemis. The island was considered a holy sanctuary for a millennium before Olympian Greek mythology made it the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. From its Sacred Harbour, the horizon shows the two conical mounds that have identified landscapes sacred to a goddess in other sites: one, retaining its pre-Greek name Mount Kynthos, is crowned with a sanctuary of Zeus.
Temple of Poseidon (Paestum)
The Temple of Poseidon, also known as the second temple of Hera, is an ancient Greek temple located in Paestum, Italy. It is one of the most well-preserved Doric order Greek temples in existence. Constructed around 450 BC, the temple was dedicated to the Greek god Poseidon, the god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses. However, due to a historical mix-up, it was wrongly attributed to Poseidon and is actually a temple dedicated to Hera, the wife of Zeus and goddess of women, childbirth, family, and marriage. The temple is a significant representation of the grandeur and sophistication of Greek architecture and culture.
Medinet Madi
Medinet Madi is an ancient city located in the Faiyum Governorate of Egypt. Established during the Middle Kingdom period, it served as a significant religious center dedicated to the cobra-goddess Renenutet and the crocodile-god Sobek. The city flourished during the Ptolemaic period and was occupied until the 7th century AD. Its ruins, preserved in the desert environment, offer a unique glimpse into the architectural and cultural practices of the civilizations that inhabited it.
Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae
The Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae, nestled in the mountains of Arcadia in Greece, is a monumental tribute to the god of healing, light, and truth. This well-preserved architectural marvel was built in the mid-5th century BC and is considered a masterpiece of ancient Greek architecture. It is the first Greek site to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, owing to its unique blend of architectural styles and its exceptional state of preservation.
Acrocorinth
Acrocorinth, the acropolis of ancient Corinth, is a monolithic rock that was continuously occupied from archaic times to the early 19th century. The city’s historical sites include the Temple of Apollo and a powerful fortress used by successive occupiers of the area from the Byzantines to the Venetians and the Turks. Today, the site is an important historical and archaeological site that provides a glimpse into the past. Acrocorinth’s historical significance is deeply rooted in its strategic location and its long-standing role as a military fortress.