Delphi

The origins of Delphi date back to the Mycenaean period. Later, the cult of the god Apollo was established in this city, because according to myth, it was here that Apollo killed Python. Python was a giant serpent who was ordered by the goddess Hera to kill Apollo's mother, Leto. Hera did not want Leto to give birth to Apollo and Artemis, which she was unable to prevent. In honour of this deed of Apollo, the Pythian Games were held here, which according to legend are older than the Olympic Games. These games involved singing to the accompaniment of the kithara, with athletic events and the recitation of poems added later.

Delphi was particularly important between the 8th and 6th centuries BC, and the local oracle gained fame. It was headed by the oracle Pythia, who largely decided whether or not Apollo would agree to the founding of a new Greek settlement. During this period Delphi became a member of the Amphictyony, which was an alliance of city states that shared the same politics and helped each other. If a dispute arose between them, it was resolved peacefully. If that route failed, arbitration ensued. If that didn't work, then the military came in.

The states also competed to create works of art for the god Apollo (statues, temples, decorations, etc.). It was at Delphi that these masterpieces were exhibited.