Delphi and Olympia
The Spatial Politics of Panhellenism in the Archaic and Classical Periods

This book investigates and re-evaluates the remains of the two most important sanctuaries in ancient Greece.

Michael Scott (Author)

9780521191265, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 22 April 2010

378 pages, 57 b/w illus.
25.4 x 18 x 2.2 cm, 0.91 kg

'It is the particular merit of [the book that it] has turned to the archaeology, monuments, dedications and buildings of these sanctuary sites to test the nature of panhellenism as it changed over the archaic and classical periods.' The Times Literary Supplement

Most people think about the sanctuary of Delphi as the seat of the famous oracle and of Olympia as the site of the Olympic games. The oracle and the games, however, were but two of the many activities ongoing at both sites. This book investigates the physical remains of both sanctuaries to show how different visitors interacted with the sacred spaces of Delphi and Olympia in an important variety of ways during the archaic and classical periods. It highlights how this fluid usage impacted upon, and was itself affected by, the development of the sanctuary space and how such usage influenced the place and relationship of these two sites in the wider landscape. As a result, it argues for the re-evaluation of the roles of Delphi and Olympia in the Greek world and for a re-thinking of the usefulness of the term 'panhellenism' in Greek politics, religion and culture.

Introduction
1. Athletes and oracles - but what else?
2. Dedicating at Olympia and Delphi
3. Delphi 650–500 BC
4. Delphi 500–400 BC
5. Delphi 400–300 BC
6. Olympia 650–479 BC
7. Olympia 479–300 BC
8. Comparing spaces
9. Panhellenic sanctuaries and panhellenism in context.

Subject Areas: Classical Greek & Roman archaeology [HDDK], Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA]