A review by eddie
Delphi: A History of the Center of the Ancient World by Michael Scott

4.0

An enjoyable and comprehensive account of Delphi from its origins to the present. Although it disappeared from view at the close of the Classical era for 800 years, in both its modern and ancient incarnations Delphi seems remarkably adept at absorbing huge amounts of other people’s money (the French paid handsomely for the privilege of excavating it in the late 19th century). The book follows the remarkable story of how Delphi negotiated the massive shifts in politics over its 1000 year active history. I particularly liked the way the book’s Delphi POV cast a refreshingly different take on important events in Greek history - from the development of Democracy in Athens, to the Peloponesian War, to the rise of Alexander the Great, and then throughout the Roman period, Delphi was always close to the centre of events. It even raised statues commemorating the early Christian emperors, before it was finally closed down.