Athena. A gateway to Delphi

Abstract Delphi is today the best-known site in ancient Phocis, but the discussion of its archaeological remains so far has focussed on monuments, architecture, sculpture, and other monumental finds. The re-evaluation of the archaeological data in the sanctuaries of Pythian Apollo and of Athena Pronaia makes it possible to reopen the discussion of the sacrifices and performances in the urban space of Delphi and to explore the phenomenon of cultic plurality. The location of the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia at the entrance to the city, on the road from Athens and Boeotia, adds a topographic and f unctional perspective to the practice of sacrifice in Delphi and the pan-Mediterranean scale of the oracle’s consultations.
Keywords Delphi, religion, sacrifices, Apollo, Athena