Ancient Delphi: The Center of the Universe Explained

[@ManuelBravo]

What is your favorite ancient site?

[@DavidS5118]

I loved visiting Delphi but also Olympia and the antiquities of Athens but my two most favorite.... the mosaics found up near Thessaloniki and while not ancient but still old I love Meteora.

[@JamesBond-qm1iy]

The ancient temples of Baalbek

[@roberta3530]

Delfi

[@whatwewantAItodo]

The Ishtar Gate is the most impressive ancient thing I have seen in the flesh, even though it is now in Germany.

[@jurgenkaja8824]

The British museum...

[@hape3862]

When you visit Delphi, don't forget to drink from the Castalian spring, because anyone who does so can never be completely unhappy again, according to the ancient Greeks.

[@bazingapuzza]

yeah nice, so you can also can catch some disease. very nice

[@Cosni16]

I think it is Castalian.

[@hape3862]

​@@Cosni16 You are right. I blame it on autocorrect.

[@raymondmartini5500]

I was there in 2018 and unfortunately didn’t know this, what a perfect reason to plan another trip back, thank you! 😊

[@despinadespina4552]

😂😂😂THAT IS INTERESTING😊 I HAVE BEEN there. 🇬🇷I AM Greek, 🇬🇷and I DIDNT, KNOW that😂😂😂😂

[@JiveTrkey]

I visited Delphi a couple years ago and was absolutely blown away. The Acropolis is obviously gorgeous, but there's something about an ancient site in the middle of the pristine mountains that just can't be beat. To know historical figures like Alexander the Great looked upon the exact same view when they visited all those millennia ago is a special feeling. And we virtually had the place to ourselves. It's something I'll never forget

[@raymondpronovost5491]

I'm curious - what time of year did you visit? I'm sure that Delphi is as magnificent as you say - and Manuel Bravo has done an excellent feature of it here. To visit Delphi without the usual gaggle of tourists must be wonderful.

[@JiveTrkey]

@@raymondpronovost5491 We were there in July of 2022. In the entire site, there were maybe 25 other people walking about. I assumed it was because the site is so far from Athens that most tourists don't make the trek. But it's the only time I've visited, so I'm not sure if this is usual or if we just got lucky. Either way, I'm certain it would never get Acropolis-mid-day levels of busy. If you ever get the chance, it's a really incredible place. Perhaps the only historical ruin I've visit where I feel like I'm truly in an ancient site as opposed to a tourist destination.

[@athanasiosbairlis5563]

@@raymondpronovost5491 Sir, I suggest you to visit Delphi at spring time (or late September) to avoid also the summer heat. I have guided travellers there more than hundred times. look at tourtripgreece gr Thanos

[@branni6538]

I was there in 2000's. I forget the year. It's a beautiful place! Stunning!

[@sebasstianninop]

You’d like hierapolis in turkey then. The mounatains there are amazing

[@stephenarmiger8343]

Thank you for this! I first visited Delph while on deployment to the Mediterranean aboard an aircraft carrier in 1971. At the time the roads had not been improved. The experience of coming up the mountain and looking at the nearly sheer drop off was stunning. We stayed at a hotel which itself was built on nearly sheer slopes. I wrote the only poem that I have ever written in my life about that experience. Delphi was the high point in the travels in Greece.

[@chergui77]

Thank you for your sacrifice and service.

[@Qigate]

I love how you bring architecture to life not only through its purpose but also its beauty.

[@kidmohair8151]

one of the most magically invested human places on this planet. thank you for taking me on a tour of a place I shall probably never see for myself.

[@lukacs37]

Every time I watch a video of your channel, I realise how much there is to know of our ancestors. Thank you! You did it again! You are a master!

[@phacimo2781]

One of the things that impressed me the most at Delphi was the huge polygonal retaining wall supporting the base of the temple of Apollo. The masonry consists of perfectly cut and assembled random polygonal stones and the whole face of the wall is covered in thousands of inscriptions from manumitted slaves, it was fascinating to see

[@michellebove4142]

It was a dream come true to visit there and see that amazing wall that predates the existing ruins. ❤

[@baconisshakespeare5680]

Well done! Giving this ancient site an appropriate level of respect and excitement.

[@davidkuder4356]

Amazing how the Greeks got their spiritual, architectural and geophysical sensibilities into alignment here, in this space, and in others yet to be explicated. A whole new take on "Man vs. Environment... " Let's dig deeper and discover other sites.

[@KNIGHTTEMPLAR555]

As a Greek,living in Athens,I’ve been only once in Parthenon/Acroplolis, but seven times in Delphi.When I’m there,I feel that I ‘m passing to another not earthly dimension.I can’t explain it better.Magical.

[@johnmacgregor324]

Yannis in the cafe down the hill told me, 'Everybody feels it,. Nobody knows what it is.'

[@despinadespina4552]

Oh, is the powers of a special PLACE I think. NOW I FEEL, I want to GO again😊. 👍👍👍THANKS, for sharing👍 that👍NIGHT TEMPLAR👍🇬🇷

[@pottedferne]

Interesting ❤

[@panakoz13]

Thank you for the video. I urge everyone who visits Greece to visit delphi. The view cannot be comprehended from the video. Its breath-taking. Also after your visit you can go to near by ARACHOVA to eat wild boar stew and other local delicacies.

[@jktekkerz8735]

Great video! I visited in March 2016. There was hardly anyone around. Delphi is special! There are places that you can visit around the world that have an ‘aura’. Delphi has a ‘presence’. Whatever drew the ancients to build here is still present. When you spend a little time here, for anyone who is at the right ‘place’ within themselves, if you listen carefully, Delphi starts to ‘whisper’ its secrets. But only to those who can keep a secret! Know Thyself! Nothing in Excess!

[@francesco3089]

Yes, I felt that too. So surreal, I feel drawn to that place and I can't wait to go back. Those who get it, get it, I encourage anyone to visit

[@andyroo9381]

Even in ruins, this place is beautiful.

[@DavidS5118]

Delphi was one of the best places I have visited. Manuel, thanks for all the great content on this incredible site.

[@delph.e8580]

My name is Delphi (I am Persian) and I have been dreaming several times of a place like this since childhood. I was curious to see how the Delphi temple looks like to know more about the origin of my name. And I was blown away when I watched your video. It's exactly like my dreams as if I've been there ! And I always need to leave near mountains. Thank you 🙏🏻😊

[@jimgray1094]

We're visiting Delphi in June. Your video was great and very informative. Thanks!

[@alexius23]

I have visited Delphi. It was an epic experience!

[@guepardo-kg2wr]

I've recently been in Delphi and I can see how good this video is. Very well recorded and edited. The 3D integrations and visuals are included with proper meaning. I'd would like to had it watched before my visit. Congrats!

[@malcolmcurran6248]

Thanks for the very informative nicely done video especially explaining the sacred way and its intentional viewpoints and architectural perspectives. I went to Delphi several times as a boy more than 60 years ago and the quiet enchantment and impression it left especially of the views of the mountains beyond and endless olive groves that fill the valley has never diminished. And there was practically nobody and there were only two small hotels for perhaps 50 guests.When two french Chat tour buses arrived one midmorning it seemed like an invasion but I must say they were wonderful good company. Many were teachers and my late brother and I got to practice our very basic French with them as we shared our oranges and chocolate together by the Tholos.

[@malcolmcurran6248]

Thanks. Great video. Delphi definitely has something inexplicable, remote and deep about it everybody picks up on.

[@Nikosk00]

castalia fountain still exists, its just outside of the temple and the are bars preventing entrace (when i was there at least). we jumped in and drunk from the water nonethe less and walked all the way to its origins were some (propably ancient) and very slippery steps are. the stadium also has some clay pipes underneath it, maybe to remove water from it. its truly spectacular. i m greek, been in a lot of sites as a kid and now as a grown up i am visiting them again. some more than once

[@cynthiam6487]

Another great video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@msrjorge1805]

👏 bravo Manuel! Excellent video. Delphi is absolutely a stunning place the view around is magnificent, it really feel like a magic place.

[@AdCreative-ik7dg]

Delphi is amazing 🤩 Thanks for sharing 👏

[@johnkilburn5392]

I visited for the first time this spring, fulfilling a lifelong dream. We stayed the night before in town and were the first ones to pass the gate the next morning. We had the place almost to ourselves for almost two hours before the first bus arrived. To say it was a magical experience would be a vast understatement. Thank you for this video. The architectural insights are invaluable to my understanding of Delphi

[@williamlloyd3769]

Thanks for the tip on how to see area before tourist busses arrive

[@chiptenor]

Wonderful documentary! Very informative. Perhaps the ancient Greek civilization is best and over all defined in this great temple district of Delphi. Thank you.

[@vonchaled]

The absence of a vedio about Palmyra is the only thing standing in the way of your channel's perfection.

[@heraldocosta1469]

I was in Delphi several years ago. The location its breath taken. The view of the surround mountain making the place amazing. If you end up to be there don't miss Meteora isn't the far from there. A must to see place in Greece. Tks for the video well done

[@kalyanimamukti9167]

I looked for "Meteora" but couldn't locate it not too far. Can you give more details? Thanks

[@jjohngeo]

@@kalyanimamukti9167actually it's a good 3 hour drive from Delphi to Meteora. Certainly worth the effort but I wouldn't say it is close.

[@JacksonTaylorandTheSinners]

Greece is the pearl of the world.

[@frankdunbar4140]

Thanks for another great video. Your narration and photography are outstanding. I'm looking forward to your next video.

[@au574]

I had no idea Delphi was so beautiful, it is awe inspiring.

[@austintoelle102]

It is absolutely breathtaking, the video and pictures don't even do it near justice

[@inthenebula92]

Delphi is so fascinating! The treasuries and statues, and their positions/sizes/height, were used to send a "message" to other city-states (which were often at war with each other). I believe near the entrance to the Sanctuary there was a statue group from Athens, so Sparta put an even bigger statue right across from it. City-states would use marble from home (even if it was awful quality) for their treasuries so offerings "never left home." All of the carvings and artwork had to use myths from the gods, they weren't allowed to depict real people basically it HAD to be religious art, but they were used as allegories for the values and identities of respective poleis. As for the Pythia, you could only visit once per month for (I believe) 9 months a year? But only men were allowed to visit. The Temple had been built 3 times (getting destroyed by earthquakes). I'm surprised the video didn't mention that it was ultimately destroyed the final time by Christians.

[@yannistsili6585]

I have heard about the energy of Delphi and didn't believe it. After being there twice, I have to admit that both times I felt something very strong and unique that I cannot explain

[@rayn8740]

That was excellent, very infirmative. You answered several questions I had about Delphi. Thanks so much for producing it.👍

[@lilypondlane]

It must have been difficult to get building materials to the site. Breathtaking view and structures.

[@inthenebula92]

Very much so I'm sure! I did a unit on Delphi in uni a couple of months ago and the different city-states would use stone (usually marble) from their region, even if it was TERRIBLE to work with, to both show their nationality/wealth but also so offerings "never left home" so to speak because they were still "on home land" in a treasury made from their stone. It was an essential expense for them since city-states were often at war with each other and Delphi served as a space where all the city-states were one-upping each other.

[@ElliotOracle]

I love these videos. So well researched 🙌

[@karinleffer6470]

Book The shamanic way of the bee. Delphic priestess had the name the Delphic bee.The oracle did not speak with the vapors from the earth's interior, but with the help of a swarm of bees. What is not written anywhere is: The slopes around Delphi were overgrown with laurel. The honey of the laurel has a psychedelic effect. The round temple at the bottom, with an unknown purpose, is in my opinion the original temple and is modeled on the shape of the queen cell in a beehive. The Temple of Apollo was built later. This also describes the story of Apollo defeating the serpent.

[@RobertLouisMoore]

Interesting. thank you. Have you read any of the sekret machines book trilogy?

[@athanasiosbairlis5563]

About the shape of the surrounding mountain cliffs, It is obviously the use of "falling rocks" for defending needs (Persian invation etc. I am tourguide myself and scholar. Excellent presentation again ! I am professional and learning from your "architect" point of view. Please continue to educate...Thank you Manuel. Love from Greece

[@johnmacgregor324]

Very nice presentation. You know your stuff. The vibe at Delphi is unique.

[@softekguy1]

Amazing description and detail well done!

[@JamesBond-qm1iy]

Nice video . The Delphi - Amphitheatre was a frequency - amplifier .🎉

[@Travelswithgirlbear]

Heading there in April, you can appreciate it so more with a little foreknowledge.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

I don't know if it's just suggestion, but I got the impression of a navel from the landscape. Some unknown ancient Greek got the same feeling.

[@horaciomillan4181]

Qué excelente video, tan bien explicado y fundamentado. Me habría venido perfecto hace unos años cuando estudié la Antigüedad Clásica en la Facultad. Gracias!

[@alpineflauge909]

world class content

[@ingridkrederdt8598]

Estuve por alli ..inolvidable todo...

[@mariettamollolucic4512]

Wow, genial !! Mientras dejo mi like 👍 15 Saludos Manuel. 🙋‍♀️

[@ZeusAmun-pt9dc]

I would really appreciate getting to visit Delphi

[@sharonhoerr6523]

Your description and explanation of the architecture to the surroundings was fascinating and insightful. 🙂

[@The-Organised-Pianist]

Very interesting, thank you!

[@BedeLaplume]

Beautiful documentary..

[@penelopegurney5635]

I was there in 1983 and the energy of it is still with me ❤

[@jeannettejimenez5228]

Excellent, thank you!!

[@kirkdougherty8690]

My maternal Greek DNA vibrated with joy while viewing this. Thank you so much.

[@alokabanerjee1701]

I have been to Delphi 😊

[@odna-baba]

And I haven’t been to Delphi😢

[@bartholomewesperanza3442]

Wrong

[@Halo_Legend]

Congratulations.

[@davepowell7168]

You were thousands of years late for the vapors (Ethyl ethylene) , tragic

[@jktekkerz8735]

So have I!! So there!! 😛 👅

[@DHHoover]

We went to Greece a few years ago , one of the sites we liked to see is Delphi. We took the tourist boat, half way to Delphi the sea was rough, the big boat could not go on so they said , and the sky was very somber. We missed seeing Delphi. Thank you for your video and your guided tour.

[@jonnymak1079]

I just moved from Philly to anout 20 minute from delphi... alllll the way down the mountain pretty much on the ocean... its paradise

[@despinadespina4552]

Manuel BRAVO, 👍👍👍👍NICE video 👍 BRAVO😊😊😊😊

[@helenecarkeek]

Beautiful commentary and images - thank you! I went on a pilgrimage to Delphi nearly forty years ago and while walking past the temple of Apollo, I decided to ask the Oracle for direction and focus in my life. I picked up a small, random piece of rock and held it while I petitioned the Oracle, and when I showed it to my daughter that evening upon our return to Athens, she noticed that one face of the rock was worn cracked marble, that had a large letter 'E' carved into it. The one important thing that you did not mention in your commentary was the presence in ancient times of a large letter 'E' above the door in the front of the temple. It's origin and meaning are shrouded in mystery, but Plato, who was a priest at the Delphic temple, wrote a speculative essay on the subject. It can be found online under 'The E at Delphi.' I can't go into the magical, synchronistic events that followed the appearance of the letter 'E' on that rock, as it's too complicated and would take too long, but I'm hoping to publish a book soon, called 'The Oracle Rock', within which I've delved into the possible meaning of that letter 'E', and other mind boggling events that followed. I can't express how hugely this event, as well as just being there at that sacred place, affected me. Also, check out the story of Apollo's appearance to Cretan fishermen in the form of a Dolphin, earning Apollo the God yet another title - 'Apollo Delphinius'.

[@grahamthompson2594]

Walking back down from the sports stadium I stopped and sat on a wall to admire the view. I closed my eyes to do some quick meditation. Almost immediately a huge yellow reptilian eye appeared in my mind. It moved. I freaked out and opened my eyes. Strange, powerful experience. This was before I knew the dragon/snake connection to Delphi. Anyone else tried meditating there?

[@MoonkissedMintakan]

Reptilian influence perhaps? Can you please tell me more on the dragon-snake connection of Delphi? I haven't heard of it before! Sounds very interesting 😮

[@grahamthompson2594]

@@MoonkissedMintakan The guardian of the Oracle is a big reptile/dragon, something I did not know at the time. Longing to go back and try again someday.

[@montserratbadiaamate2213]

Excellent video. Thank you

[@flyinglobster9552]

Great video really helping me revise classics

[@omegaroyal]

Always love your presentations.

[@YolandaTrulia]

Going tomorrow morning☀️🇬🇷 thank you for sharing💗

[@LaurieValdez-zk3dy]

Thank you very much Philadelphia USA 🇺🇸

[@pprehn5268]

Yes, I really enjoyed my visit there - it was the first archeological site in Greece I got to see.

[@jespersort1]

My teacher Erik Hansen spent every spring for 37 years measuring architectural details in Delphi, for the French archeological institute in Athen what a privileged life.

[@grasshroom]

sounds like a dream

[@Reikidreams911]

Excellent I was able to visit and to date it’s the most amazing place I have been

[@ManuelBravo]

Isn't it great?

[@terrymoran3705]

It has always captured my imagination, as did your video! Thank you so much!!!

[@AXNJXN1]

Absolutely remarkable! Great video!

[@jespersort1]

Hi Manuel, one of the main reasons for the decline of the buildings can be seen in the works of architect Erik Hansen who spent 37 years in Delphi measuring the building blocs and their location. The conclusion was that it was basically metal thieves who were responsible for the decline. To get to the metal Ankers you had to take the buildings apart and thereby weakend the remaining structures accelerating the decline. Greetings from one of Erik’s former students. Jesper

[@brockjazz8838]

I thought the Romans shut it down.

[@DK-vw7pe]

Agree, Delphi is well worth visiting..I’ve been fortunate to stay there twice, 30 years apart.

[@Dee8Bee]

I love those pointy trees. I don't know why, but they make me happy.

[@RobertoCortesePhotographer]

Love these videos! Well done! Question: do you have any suggestions for books about the connection between ancient greek architecture and culture? I find it's difficult to understand one without at least grasping the other (being architecture for me which I don't know too much about 😅)

[@The_Not_So_Great_Cornholio]

Well-made, knowledgeable video. I have always wondered if the ethylene gas that the oracle was huffing is still coming out of the temple. Also curious to know if they used entasis at the temple, as they did at the Parthenon, or if it wasn't long enough to warrant that. Now I'm wondering if the Greeks had a standard for using entasis based upon the length of the building. Anyhoo great video.

[@angelovalavanis2314]

Beautiful video my friend.

[@sivelti3914]

Interesting video again. I would like to visit this place in the future.

[@Verdeangela12]

I was there as a child in ‘69. It’s gorgeous with a wild ride to the top.

[@MonsieurChapeau]

Super inspiring video, thank you 👌

[@Λεωνίδας-Κέρκυρα]

Excellent video, astonishing narration and fantastic presentation. Congratulations my friend!!

[@tailwheel]

Excellent material Manuel. Thanks a lot for preparing this and for sharing. Keep up the great work!

[@wolfgangkranek376]

Excellent presentation. Γνῶθι σαυτόν - Gnothi sauton.

[@omegaroyal]

Came back to re-watch your video. Love them.

[@leeaisley3633]

Thank u for showing me such a mystical place❤❤❤

[@MariaAlves-ps3lk]

Merci. Bon Nadal. ❤

[@MiguelAngelLopezArias]

Excelente video, gracias por compartir.

[@HeathBrand-te3qr]

Thanks for the amazing history lesson! The first time I ever flew to Europe was April of 23 and it was too Corinthios. I was blown away with seeing the ruins either in Greece or acro Corinth (spelling!) can’t wait to go back and discover more

[@jamesbueker11]

I went with my Serbian wife 8 years ago. We spent the whole day. I loved the fact that it had not been rebuilt to enhance tourism. The ruins have been preserved, but not substantially rebuilt. This allows the visitor to use their imagination. Beautiful

[@VijaySuryaAditya]

I intend to visit Delphi after this superb video. Many thanks.

[@StoptheHateJustDebate]

What a great review of Delphi! Great job! 👏🏼 ❤

[@Max-dd7du]

Thankyou for this video. The sky there was amazing. The snake pillar was a replica of the original Constantine gave to Istanbul where you can see it in the Hippodrome. One of the heads is in the Istanbul museum.

[@MarijaMarijaMari]

Magnificent documentary! ❤️

[@Taleton]

ΕΥΧΑΡΙΣΤΩ Manuel !!!

[@gangamecker8221]

I LOVE THIS PLACE , I WAS THERE ❤❤ STADE FEW DAYS WITH NIGHTS WITH THE NIGHTS OF VOLLMOON ! Grandios ❤

[@-IvoryTower-]

Congratulations for your good research. Very insightful data.

[@zeenatbaer138]

You did a great job on this, so interesting and well presented. I especially enjoyed the artwork recreating the scene, how it looked. I find that so helpful as it's hard to see all the details through a screen, or spend enough time on each aspect. Wondering if the fissure in the floor the oracle sat over still there ?

[@OrphicPolytheist]

Delphi was destroyed at 392 CE by the Roman emperor Theodosius, who also slaughtered its inhabitants for being pagans, and then he buried the ruins under soil and forbade anyone from settling there. After this incident the town was forgotten and it was considered a "mythical" city like Troy that never existed, until it was discovered in the 19th century.

[@taniaramaki5142]

As s greek i am familiar with greek antiquity and through the years i visited every thing the ancient temples scattered around the country are bewitching especially if you see them st sunset then they sre breath taking

[@chanaheszter168]

❤ great!

[@kricketflyd111]

The Fu Dog has his paw on The Flower of Life, it looks like it shares God's geometry with the artifact you showed at the beginning of this program. 🌼