ancienttraveler24

[ancienttraveler24]

Day 4:

On my 4th day I visited an area called Delphi, which is a very well-known and famous archeological site that is situated on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. As I walk around I try to remember the things I learned about recently regarding this site and think back to another article I read on this topic. According to Britannia, the creation of Delphi can be found explained only Greek mythology. The Greek god, Zeus, sent forth two eagles, both from the East & West, and had them fly towards what the Greeks believe to be the center of the Earth (aka Delphi). I found this information to be interesting because it went on to say that the spot was marked by something called a ompalos and this object was later placed at the Temple of Apollo, which is where I intend to visit today. The Temple of Apollo is often associated with the oracle at Delphi who is also called the “Pythia”. The Pythia is known as the priestess of Apollo and would often deliver prophecies and advice within the temple whilst acting as a conduit between the mortal and divine realms. Out of all of the sites and temples I have attended so far, I am the most excited for this one as I hope to catch a glimpse of the priestess. As I get closer to the temple I see a diverse crowd forming outside of the temple hoping to get special insight from the oracle. People from all over the Mediterranean seemed to have gathered here and I can hear a few of them muttering about their personal issues that they’d wish to consult with the priestess. The topics range from mundane things like politics to dire things like warfare. As I wait impatiently in the heat for my chance to see her, I admire the doric columns that hold up the temple, for something that was made in 4 BCE it is a very grand and splendid structure that emphasizes the creative ability of those living in Delphi. As I’m lost in thought, I realize that the final group of people waiting to enter the building have finally been allowed to go in. As I head inside and wait around with the rest of my group, I see the Oracle of Delphi and she is absolutely stunning. She is wearing a long, flowing robe that is adorned with intricate patterns and symbols to showcase her status as a Pythia. Right now she is situated over a tripod within the inner chamber of the temple and she is positioned over a fissure in the earth from which intoxicating gasses are emerging, as she speaks incoherently the people around me listen intently and they’re convinced she’s in a trance-like state and that she is currently communicating with the divine realm. When I leave I think back to this experience and realize that even if some people find the Pythia to be utter nonsense, her role in this society is key to these people feeling hopeful and finding some semblance of peace and gratitude within their lives.

Source of picture: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Apollo_(Delphi)

Source of information within this post: https://www.britannica.com/place/Delphi-ancient-city-Greece#ref240482

[ancienttraveler24]

Day 3:

Today, I decided to visit another Greek colony called Ephesus, located on the eastern coast of Asia Minor. Similar to how Athens revolves around their goddess Athena, here, the goddess Artemis is who the Ephesians devote themselves to. I came here to visit the Temple of Artemis, and as I am walking towards the building I enjoy the sensation of the sunlight on my skin and think back to what I have learned about the goddess before coming here. I remember reading an article once by the World History Encyclopedia about Artemis. It was titled “Temple of Artemis at Ephesus” by Mark Cartwright. He went on to explain how “Artemis was the goddess of chastity, hunting, wild animals, forests, childbirth, and fertility.” This temple is also known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World because of its architectural grandeur and importance. The temple attracted not only worshippers but also merchants who often did business there, struck deals, or just mingled with the others. As I look around I can see how and why the Temple of Artemis is a symbol of wealth, power, and cultural sophistication of Ephesus. Just like yesterday, another festival is taking place but this time at the Temple of Artemis. It is called The Artemisia Festival and it takes place in the months of March and April. Right now, I am witnessing the grand procession, where many people have gathered to parade around statues of Artemis and other deities that they are devoted to. Amongst the priests and priestesses, there are musicians and dancers who twirl about while others play their flutes and lead the procession with others trailing behind them. I watch for a bit before I go into the temple as I did before, I pass the cella but this time I see various reliefs and decorative paintings that adorn the walls. They tell the story of Artemis and depict how she was often portrayed in the mythology in order to reinforce her character as a divine patroness and protector.

source: https://www.worldhistory.org/Temple_of_Artemis_at_Ephesus/

[ancienttraveler24]

Day 2:

In Athens, I visited the Parthenon, which is the Temple of Athena. I walk slowly to the entrance, momentarily side tracked by the sights I see. The building is not only surrounded by worshippers, but also officials and dignitaries who are here to celebrate The Great Panathenaea, a celebration held every four years that is held at the Parthenon. This festival was meant to honor Athena but it also served as a way to promote civic unity and to establish political dominance by throwing this highly grand and prestigious event that cemented the City of Athens at the helm of Greek culture. I watch intently as the Panathenaic Procession begins. Hundreds of people are winding through the streets in extravagant clothing called a peplo. Their dresses sway in the breeze as they gather on this momentous day to give offerings to Athena in hopes of incurring some sort of favor. I inspect the crowd some more before I leave and decide to head inside the Parthenon to do some sight seeing and to avoid the hot weather. I walk past the west cella (otherwise known as the “inner chamber”) and make my way towards the east cella, where a statue of Athena is situated. As I walk pass various altars and offerings made in her name, I get hit with the realization of just how much the Greeks rely on their belief system to establish a sense of community amongst their people. When I finally find the statue (which was made by the sculpture Phidias around 438 BCE) I am left in awe. The statue is approximately 40 feet tall and depicts Athena clothed in the peplos I saw worn by the people outside. Her face looks serene even as she wears a crested helmet adorned with sphinxes and griffins. In one hand she holds a spear while in the other she holds a shield, she exudes confidence and authority, I can see why the Greeks adore her so much.

source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Parthenon

[ancienttraveler24]

Day 1:

I seem to have traveled to a time where prosperity in Ancient Greece is on a decline and where the Romans have begun to establish their presence with a mighty force. This is my first day visiting and already it feels like my last. I am currently stuck in the Classical Greece and Hellenistic era, and I read about the Achaean War before I got here, the turning point in which Greece slowly lost its influence and colonies due to losing the battle with the Romans who began to usurp them. The war occurred around 146 BCE and was responsible for the annexation of Greece and the end of their independence and city-states that held so much value and cultural significance. Before everything completely fell apart I visited several places that I will talk about in my posts and what I learned on my travels. As for today I have decided to visit the Library of Alexandria, situated in Egypt. It is a center for intellectual exchange and academic prosperity. As I walk closer to the building I can see scholars of varying backgrounds mingling with each other. They satisfy their inquisitive minds with idle talk about topics pertaining to varying academic subjects. The sunlight envelopes the building in a warm glow and the faces of the people within are simply delighted at being there. Although the Library of Alexandria was built in Egypt, this place is heavily influenced by the Greeks and its hellenistic culture due to it being one of the city states regulated by Greece. The library was founded in the 3rd century BCE and acts as the driving force of intellectual expansion. Not only is the architectural structure of this place breathtaking but the amount of knowledge kept here is amazing to see, the wonders of the world hidden behind these walls and only shared amongst a few.

(image by The Collector)

source: https://images.app.goo.gl/u4xJSLEhpjjDCii29

second source about the Achaean War: https://imperiumromanum.pl/en/wars/war-of-rome-with-achaean-league/amp/