Delphic Oracle And The Ancient Greek World

Delphi for much of Greek history was the spiritual centre of the Hellenic world.The god Apollo spoke through Pythia,and offered inspiration and guidance to all whosought his aid.The majority of questions asked of Apollo concerned personal affairs,sought guidance as to what would benefit their state,or religious affairs.Delphi hadbecome an oracular center of the ancient Greek world gradually,and its prestigecontinued during the entire golden era of Hellenic culture.This thesis attempts to explore the relationship between Delphic oracle andGreek city-states,based on available ancient literature and archaeological materials.There are five chapters.Chapter One:The origin of Delphic oracle.This chapter introduced the origin ofDelphic oracle and its religious elements.Before the 8th century B.C.,Apolloreplaced Gaia become the subject worship of Delphi.But the worship of Gaia stillinfluenced Delphic oracle on some sections.Besides,this chapter explored therelationship between Delphic oracle,Dodona oracle and Ammon temple,and otherApollo's local oracles to figure out Delphic oracle's status.Chapter Tow:The Procedure of Delphic Oracle.This chapter introduced the dayand the form of the oracle,the procedure of the oracle and the Apollo's priestessPythia.Originally the oracle could only be consulted once a year on the 7^th of Bysios,and this restriction was only removed at a late period when consultation once a monthwas allowed,except three months when Apollo leaved Delphi in winter.Besidesnormal oracles,Pythia could give oracles by lots leads one on to further hypotheses.Furthermore,both Pythia and enquirers must obey the special procedure duringconsulting the oracle.Chapter Three:Delphic oracle and Colonization.Before dispatched a body ofcitizens to settle as a community abroad the city-state always consulted the oraclefirstly.And the oracle will advises them where should they go,and which one is thebest season.Colonization was not a personal act but the civil act.Guided to the oikistand colonists is one of most important influences of Delphic oracle on the city-states.Chapter Four:Delphic oracle and political life.The political life is such animportant part of ancient Greek History.Delphic oracles were concerned withcity-states' political life.And because of the difference of the city-states' political life,the influence of Delphic oracle is different.This chapter explored tyranny,Spartanpolitical life,Athenian political life,Cyrene's political life.The city-states' civil actwas affected by the oracle.Chapter Five:Delphic oracle and War.There are so many wars and battles inancient Greek world.This chapter explored the oracle's influence on war.Thecity-state's outer act was affected by the oracle.Furthermore,Delphic oracle wasdrifted into war too.As a conclusion,the thesis analyzes the function of Delphic oracle to thecity-states and reaction.