We travelled to Mt. Metamorphosis, passing millions of olive trees and the site of the Battle of Thermopylae. This battle, fought between 300 Spartans led by King Leonidas and the invading Persian army of Xerxes in 480 BCE, saw the Spartans stand firm against overwhelming odds.
Next, we visited the ancient city of Delphi, home to the magnificent Museum.
As we explored Delphi, we couldn’t help but be reminded of the legendary damsel possessed with a spirit of divination, known as Pythōn. The name “Pythōn” comes from the Greek word “Pythώ,” which refers to the region where Delphi, the seat of the renowned oracle who was believed to predict the future, was situated.
Known as the “navel of the world,” Delphi is home to the Temple of Apollo, an ancient theatre, and a museum filled with artefacts. Its scenic location on Mount Parnassus is truly stunning.
One of the artefacts is an inscription of a letter from Emperor Claudius to the proconsul of Achaia, dated 52 AD. In the letter, Emperor Claudius expresses his interest in the city of Delphi. This letter is significant because it references Lucius Junius Gallio, the brother of Seneca, who was proconsul of Achaia at the time of the Apostle Paul’s stay in Corinth (Acts 18.12). This reference supports the historicity of Luke, which had previously been called into question.Read more
TravelerThermopylae was the opening movement of the great operatic drama of the first Persian invasion under Xerxes, the son of Darius. It was followed by the sack and burning of Athens after the Greeks evacuated. Then we have the defeat of the huge, lumbering Persia fleet at Salamis: the turning point. Before armies of Athens, Sparta and the allies won a decisive victory at Plataea.
GreeceMunicipal Unit of Delphi38°28’57” N 22°30’6” E
GreeceMunicipal Unit of Delphi38°28’57” N 22°30’6” E
TravelerThermopylae was the opening movement of the great operatic drama of the first Persian invasion under Xerxes, the son of Darius. It was followed by the sack and burning of Athens after the Greeks evacuated. Then we have the defeat of the huge, lumbering Persia fleet at Salamis: the turning point. Before armies of Athens, Sparta and the allies won a decisive victory at Plataea.