thumb|Sanctuary of Apollo with Delphic Stadium from the Phaedriades. Delphi, Greece.|242x242px

The Pythian Games () were one of the four Panhellenic Games of Ancient Greece. Founded circa the 6th century BCE, the festival was held in honor of the god Apollo and took place at his sanctuary in Delphi to commemorate the mytho-historic slaying of Python and the establishment of the Oracle at Delphi. The Pythian Games took place every four years, two years after the Olympic Games, and between each Nemean and Isthmian Games. They continued until the 4th century AD.thumb|Site plan of the archaeological area of Delphi, Greece.The Pythian Games, which were ranked second in importance behind the Olympics, primarily and originally focused on competitions for art and dance. As the Pythian Games evolved over time athletic events were added and some events allowed for the participation of women.thumb|right|250px|Four Panhellenic games.

Mythical origins

According to ancient Greek Mythology, the Pythian Games are founded with the slaying of the mythical serpent, Python by the god Apollo in his search for a good location to establish his temple. After being directed to the area by Telphusa and coming across a spring, Python sprung forth and attacked him. Apollo slew the serpent with his bow and established the area of Delphi safe for humans and declared his ownership of the site. After burying the body, Apollo founded the oracle of Delphi. In some versions of the myth, by slaying Python, Apollo was guilty of a crime and Zeus declared that he had to make amends. In order to do so Apollo founded the Pythian Games. Other versions of the legend state that Apollo established the games to celebrate his victory over Python. Later, administration of the games shifted to the Delphic Amphictyony, a council of twelve Greek tribes, and the Pythian Games were reorganized. New events were introduced, including an expansion of music focused events and the eventual introduction of athletic events. It was also during this time that the Pythian Games shifted from being held every eight years as in the past, to every four years, two years before and after the Olympic Games, near the end of August.

The Games

Preparations

The preparations for the games began six months prior. During this time, nine Delphian theoroi, were sent out to all Greek city-cities to announce the beginning of the games.This served both to attract those who might wish to participate in the games, as well as to declare the period of the Sacred Truce or (Hieromenia). Once the Hieromenia was declared all violent conflict had to end in order to ensure safe passage to all those who wished to attend the Games. If a city was involved in armed conflict or in robberies during that period, its citizens were forbidden to enter the Sanctuary, participate in the games, or consult the Oracle. Additionally, the truce allowed the Amphictyony to focus on preparing for the games, which included restorations for all structures of the Sanctuary, from the temples to the streets and fountains. Scores of people flocked to the games from all over Greece, bringing in substantial revenue to the city. thumb|Starting line at the Delphi stadium used for the Pythian Games. Delphi, Greece.|324x324px

Overview

The festival itself was held around the months of August and September.

The Pythian and ancient Olympic games shared many athletic and equestrian events, however the Pythinan games did not include a four-horse chariot race but did, instead add additional running races for boys. The only surviving record of a female victor at the Pythian Games is Tryphosa, who won the girl's stadion running race.

Poetry, prose and drama

Poetry and prose contests were another feature of the Pythian Games. These events were held in a theater above the Temple of Apollo.

Painting

Painting competitions were introduced in the mid-5th century BC. Furthermore, the poems provide insight into the aristocratic and athletic ideals of the late archaic period.

The Pythionikoi as a source of information

Pindar worked on lyric poetry.

Modern day Pythian Games

Since the official end of the ancient Pythian Games there have been several attempts at its revival. Recently, indian Bijender Goel has founded a modern global Pythian Games inspired by the Ancient Pythian Games. These games will be focused not only on athletics but on celebrating culture, heritage, music, dance, and art.

References

  • Modern Pythian Games
  • India paves the way to modern Pythian Games
  • Zee5 India paves the way to modern Pythian Games
  • Assia News India paves the way to modern Pythian Games
  • Maghreb Observateur
  • Bijander Goel founder modern Pythian Games
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jY4kRyZapsg