In ancient times, the Greek city of Delphi, together with the Oracle and the Temple of Apollo, was the spiritual centre of the world as it was then. But it was the Delphic Games that took place in that city that were so valuable for modern times.
In ancient Greece the Oracle of Delphi was situated on the edge of the Parnassos mountain range. As early as the 15th century B.C. it was already considered a holy place. People consulted the Oracle to obtain advice from the Gods to help them make crucial decisions.
According to the saga, the god Apollo claimed the oracle for himself by killing its keeper, the dragon Python. The Oracle became the shrine of Apollo.
After defeating Python, Apollo left Olympia, the seat of the gods, for eight years in voluntary exile to atone for his crime. He did penance in Thessaly as a simple shepherd for the king Admetus.
The Delphic Games (also known as Pythian, Pythic Games) were held in remembrance of Apollo's victory over Python and his self-inflicted penance. The various Greek clans gathered in peaceful competition. Yet, over the years many holy wars took place to decide upon ownership of the Oracle, until at last the twelve clans of Greece united in the Amphictyony (executive council) and from then on held the games together. Thus the Delphic Games stand for reconciliation and under-standing amongst people.
From 582 B.C. on, the Delphic Games ( a.k.a. Pythion, Pythic Games ) took place every four years, always one year prior to the Olympic Games. They were organised by the Amphictyony, an executive council made up of representatives of the twelve Greek clans.
The Games were dedicated to Apollo, the God of Healing, Poetry and Art, of Beauty and of Light. Therefore, the emphasis of the competitions was on artistic elements. Due to the music and painting competitions, along with the performing arts such as acting and dance, contemporaries described the Delphic games as being much more magnificent than the athletic Olympic Games.
The holy Delphic Peace lasted for three months, including the duration of the Delphic Games. For this time weapons were laid down, guaranteeing both competitors and audience safe passage back and forth between the games and their homes. Even then, people realised that cultural exchange and the striving towards spiritual perfection is only possible in times of peace.
Unfortunately, much documentation on the ancient Delphic games has been destroyed, either by natural catastrophes or by human force, but those surviving sources emphasise the pomp and magnificence of the Games. The writings of Aristotle give us an impression of the festivities:
The Games went on for six to eight days, starting with an enactment of Apollo`s victory over Python. In a splendid, festive procession, a sacrifice was made at the Temple of Apollo. After a huge feast, the games started on the fourth day.
Music and drama competitions were held at the Theatre of Delphi. The artistic disciplines consisted of: a hymn to the god Apollo, flute and lute performances, drama and dance and painting.
Athletic competitions were carried out in the stadium on the fifth day. On the plain of Krisa spectacular chariot races were held.
The Delphic games were games of honour. The winners received no monetary prize, but a crown of laurel leaves, just as the winners of the Olympic Games received an olive branch in recognition. Sometimes a statue was erected in honour of particular competitors. The honour and esteem placed on the victor and his home town were invaluable, therefore the cities supported their representatives in every way, to get the best possible results in the games.
We can also read about the enthusiasm of the audience. Thousands travelled to Delphi bringing considerable revenue into town. The Agora, an art market that went on during the Games was an important trading place for works of art.
In the year 394 A.D., Theodorus, the Emporer of Rome and Byzantium, banned the Delphic Games for being a pagan event.
1,600 years later, the International Delphic Council ( IDC ) was founded and organised the first Youth Delphic Games in Tbilisi / Georgia - 1997 and the first Delphic Games of Modern Times in Moscow / Russia - 2000.