Day 5 – Thursday, July 4: Thermopylae, Delphi, Athens
Today we drove south through more of the mountains of Greece, with a final destination in Athens. Again, the beauty of the high mountains (80% of Greece is mountainous), valleys, and plains of inland Greece was incredible to behold. The weather changed a bit too. We enjoyed partly sunny skies in the morning, and then some rain (with thunder in the air) at Delphi. We read from Philippians 3 (about “running the race”) as we left the hotel at 7:45 to begin the day.
Thermopylae
The mooning drive took us on a section of a beautiful brand new highway to the area of Thermopylae. It was here in the famous battle that took place in 480 BC where King Leonidas, along with 300 Spartan greeks (and incidentally along with 700 Thespian greeks) were defeated by the Persians. These Persians would be later defeated in a sea battle at Salamis shortly after. Today, only a monument stands in honor of the courage of these brave greek warriors.
Delphi
Continuing southward, we drove towards Delphi. Before climbing the final stretch of mountains, we first enjoyed lunch at Itea, a small quaint town along the Ionian (Adriatic) Sea coastline.
Following lunch, we arrived in Delphi. First, we walked through the museum. Many impressive artifacts are displayed here, including the famous bronze charioteer (dating to 476 BC), and the Gallio Inscription. This was written by a scribe named Claudius who mentions “my friend Gallio the proconsul of Achaia.” Luke mentions him as well as the one who listened to Paul at Corinth (Acts 18:13). It was discovered here in 1905.
The archaeological site nearby was quite impressive. Unfortunately because of the threat of lightning in the air, we could not climb higher than the theater. It began to clear a bit as we ascended through the site, complete with the famous Athenian Treasury, Temple of Apollo, and the theater. The Pythian Games were held at the stadium (which we could not see) here in Delphi every four years in honor of Apollo. Paul used the image of “running the race” often (i.e. 1 Corinthians 9, Philippians 3, etc…).
Delphi was known in this classical period of Greece as the place of oracles. The women who shared oracles were call pythia. Acts 16:16 uses the same word. Paul and Silas preached that accepting Christ as spoken in the very Word (e.g. oracle) of God and trusting in God’s Spirit is what gives purpose and direction for our lives! Paul would also say that we are there “temple of God” with God’s Spirit indwelling within us (1 Corinthians 3:16f).
Before leaving the site, most in the group walked down to see the Temple/Sanctuary of Athena and the Tholos, a unique rounded structure. It is the most photographed structure in all of Delphi.
“We continued on our southern route to Athens today, stopping by and visiting the classical site of Delphi. It was quite impressive to see this ancient city built on the slopes of the mountain. The “Oracle” was given here.”
Athens
Following the visit of this incredible classic Greek site, we drove to Athens. We arrived about 2.5 hours later. We checked into our hotel and enjoyed a late dinner together. During dinner, many of us took the elevator to the 9th floor to enjoy a spectacular rainbow over the Acropolis!
We are all looking forward to our three-day cruise that begins tomorrow morning.
Day 6 – Friday, July 5: Start our 3-night Aegean/Mediterranean Cruise
