Pythian Games - Overview

Overview

Unfortunately the testimonials and documents covering the Delphic Games were mainly destroyed through human violence and natural catastrophes. All the remaining resources highlight the glory and glamour of the Games. The records of Aristoteles present an overview about the festivities: the Games lasted for six to eight days and were started by a Holy Game, which showcased the victory of Apollo over Python. In a festive and glamorous Procession a “Festival Sacrifice” was performed in the Temple of the Apollo. After four days of festivities the Games began.

The Music and Theatre Play competition were carried out in the Theatre, the athletic contests in the Stadium of Delphi. The chariot races were carried out in the nearby plain of Krisa, taking into account the hilly landscape of Delphi.

The musical disciplines included:

• A Hymn addressed to Apollo, the god of arts and music.
• Aulos (reed pipe) and Kithara (an old Greek string instrument) with or without singing
• Acting and Dance Competitions
• Painting Competitions

The Delphic Games were honorary Games. The winners did not receive any prize money, but a Laurel Twig as award, because the laurel was very sacred to Apollo. The twig is a traditional Olympian award. Even apples were sometimes presented as competitive prize and the winner received the symbolic Palm Twig at the Pythian and also at the Olympian Games. As special honour and tributes also a statue was dedicated to the competitors. However, the reputation the winner received by his city was priceless. The cities used all available resources to support their athletes.