Delphi – A History of the Center of the Ancient World

Packed with information but never boring!

This book is very comprehensive regarding the history of Delphi and its oracle. If you want an explanation about how and why it became the centre of the ancient Greek world, this is a book to read. The ancient Greek world spread across continents and is not confined naturally to Greece and its immediate environs. This book attempts to explain Delphi's history and why it was so prominent in the ancient world.

Theme of this book is very interesting and unusual. Delphi was not only the centre of the Ancient world, but heart of Hellenistic culture. A lot of facts, dates, also plenty funny stories from history of Antiquity. Despite this, first part of book is a bit academic, but other part is perfect and you even won't feel how the last page will come. Nevertheless, I recommend to read this book to all, who love history of Ancient Greece and want to know their religion system much better. By the way, you will know why Greeks hate Macedonians. :)

An excellent, thorough history of Delphi. It is wonderfully written, with vivid descriptions and a certain sensitivity which shows Michael Scott really loved his subject. A treat.

Detailed, complete and reliable

Having visited Delphi earlier in the year I was looking for a book to give more background to how this sanctuary fitted into Greek history. This book certainly gives in depth answers to this question. A fascinating read.

Michael Scott always writes in a clear and concise . very readable and understandable.

States in his conclusions, " this book can be little more than a snapshot ..." so there's the problem... Doesn't even attempt the 64K question: "If the Pythia was self-drugged and babbling, who the hell wrote the oracles? Must have been the priests, yes? But how did they know what was happening in anatolia, when they are 1000 kms and several weeks journey apart?