THE LIGHTING OF GOD’S FACE DURING SOLAR STANDS IN THE APOLLO TEMPLE DELPHI

Abstract

The direction of solar light and how it relates with the Apollo Temple in Delphi is investigated. Following

up earlier investigation of defining the time to delivering an oracle and the historical reported position of a

golden Apollo statue in the rear of the main structure (opisthodomos, adyton or Temple‘s sanctum) the sun

lighting the statue‘s face during selected solar stands is virtually constructed. Based on both ancient and con

temporary sources, an accurately-oriented 3D model of the Temple was created, which incorporated win

dows in the sanctum area. A light and shadow study followed to establish the movement of shadows and

presence of sunlight around and inside the Temple, during the important days for the ancient cult. It is

shown that the shining of God‘s golden statue would have been possible, through windows, giving a dis

tinct impression of Apollo‘s presence in Delphi especially during his absence in the three winter months to

the hyperborean lands between winter solstice and spring equinox.