An early start again before it gets too hot and before the crowds arrive.
A few people beat us to the gate but we had a good head start and began the climb up the Sacred way into this 8th c BC site.
The setting is probably the most dramatic yet, set high in the hills overlooking a stunning gorge.
The sacred way was once lined with columns and over 3000 statues and treasuries from each state to hold their votive offerings to the Gods.
Passing the Roman Agora on the Sacred way.
This is the treasury of the Athenians, built after the Battle of Marathon 490 BC and partially reconstructed in 1906 AD
The temple of Apollo is the largest temple on the site and in its present form dates from the 4th c BC, but a temple has stood on this site since the 6th c BC. Some reconstruction work was done to show it former grandeur.
This was once a bronze column in the form of three entwined serpents on top of which stood a golden tripod. The tripod was destroyed during the sacred war in 354 BC and the column was taken by Constantine and is still on display in the Hippodrome in Constantinople.
The one shown is a copy.
The theatre
This stadium is a very well preserved site with all the seating in place.
The Thollos at the sanctuary of Athena, a short walk down the road from the main site.
Our last visit was to the museum where thankfully the air conditioning kept us cool whilst we browsed the exhibits.
This pair of statues are called Kournos and are possibly influenced by Egyptian sculptures showing idealised youth.
The Sphinx once stood on the top of a 12.5 meter high column in the sanctuary.
The golden jewellery is in beautiful condition.
These next three pictures show how this column once stood, with the dome at the top of this giant pedestal.
The picture background shows the statuary in its original position during the excavations.
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