Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia
Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia
A pivotal period known as the Late Classic of ancient Greek civilization occurred on Mount Parnassus in Greece. This marked the beginning of the Hellenistic era. The center of Greek devotion was located in the ancient city of Delphi. This most important cultural center in the ancient Greek world was dedicated to the god Apollo and was also the residence of Pythia the oracle commissioned by Apollo to predict fortunes. Kings generals, and commoners traveled here seeking guidance before making important decisions.
Atop the mountain in Delphi stood the Temple of Tolos of Athenapronaia the first temple dedicated to the goddess Athena built around 380–370 BC by the architect Theodorus of Phosis. Its original purpose remains a mystery. This temple was one of the principal sacred sites serving as a spiritual gateway to Delphi. It features 20 Doric columns on the exterior and 10 Corinthian columns inside constructed using mixed materials. Its original purpose remains a mystery.
The famous and perfectly proportioned circular temple is located within the complex of the Temple of Athena Pronaia in the Delphi World Heritage Park Greece. Recently archaeologists discovered a massive 2-meter 6.6-foot tall white marble statue of the Greek goddess Athena during excavations at the Western Theatre in the ancient city of Laodicea in southwestern Turkey. This 7,500-year-old Greco-Roman city is situated on a hill overlooking the Lycus River a short distance from Pamukkale. The sheer size of the white marble indicates that the statue was originally designed to be visible only from the front possibly positioned in a wall niche or architectural archway.
The Delphi archaeological site is located on the long southern slopes of Mount Parnassus in central Greece surrounded by stunning towering peaks. Two massive limestone cliffs Nopplia and Highampia leap above the ancient temple of Apollo. As the sun moves these rocks reflect sunlight and are situated in a valley between these two peaks. It is a sacred spring where pilgrims and Pythias oracles would purify themselves before approaching the temple.
