Rights Managed > Universal Images Group (UIG) > History > War
Spartans asking Oracle at Delphi whether to make war against Athenians. Peloponnesian War
Filename: 917_05_0390001989.jpg
Size: 6000 x 8763 (18.8MB)
Date: 27th March 2014
Source: Universal Images Group (UIG)
© Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Universal Images Group (UIG)
Spartans asking Oracle at Delphi whether to make war against Athenians. Peloponnesian War
Spartans asking Oracle at Delphi whether to make war against Athenians. Peloponnesian War (Second or Great 431-404BC) between Athens and Sparta. Wood engraving 1910. Priestess of temple of Apollo at Delphi (Delphos now Kastri), known as Pythia, most famous Ancient Greek oracle. Position held by celibate woman over 50 whose words were delivered to supplicant in often ambiguous verse by priests. Suppressed by Theodosius 4th century AD. Greeks considered Delphi at foot of Mount Parnassus to be navel of the world
Universal Images Group (UIG) manages distribution for many leading specialist agencies worldwide
Media ID 9763693
© Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group
1910 Apollo Athens Augury Century Considered Delivered Delphi Divination Famous Foot Great Greece Greek Greeks Held Make Mount Occult Position Priests Prophecy Verse Wood Words Ambiguous Athenians Celibate Kastri Navel Oracle Parnassus Peloponnesian Priestess Pythia Sparta Spartans Supplicant Suppressed Theodosius
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this wood engraving from 1910, we are transported back to the ancient world of Greece during the Peloponnesian War. The image depicts a significant moment in history as Spartans seek guidance from the Oracle at Delphi on whether to engage in war against their Athenian rivals. The scene is set within the temple of Apollo at Delphi, where the renowned Pythia, a celibate woman over 50 years old, holds her position as priestess. Considered one of the most famous oracles in Ancient Greece, she possessed an extraordinary ability to deliver prophecies in often ambiguous verse. As we gaze upon this print, we can almost feel the weight of anticipation and uncertainty that hangs in the air. The Spartan supplicants anxiously await their turn to receive divine insight into their fateful decision. They understand that these words hold immense power and could shape not only their own destinies but also those of entire nations. Delphi itself was considered by Greeks to be the navel of the world—a sacred place nestled at the foot of Mount Parnassus. Its significance as a center for divination and augury cannot be overstated. This remarkable wood engraving captures both historical detail and artistic beauty while reminding us of humanity's enduring fascination with religion, prophecy, and our desire for guidance from higher powers. It serves as a poignant reminder that even centuries later, we continue to look back on these ancient practices with awe and wonderment.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
