Omphalos of Delphi, Ancient marble stele in Delphi, Greece.
The Omphalos of Delphi is an ancient marble stele decorated with fine relief patterns, measuring 1.23 meters in height and 0.92 meters in width. Its surface displays complex carved ornaments that reflect the craftsmanship of ancient artists.
The stone monument was created during the classical period around 330 BCE and marked what ancient Greeks believed was the center of the known world. Its importance grew as Delphi became the major oracle center where people from all directions came seeking prophecies.
The stone symbolized the connection between the earthly and divine realms for ancient Greeks. Visitors can understand today how central this object was to religious practices and the spiritual identity of the sanctuary.
The original stone is housed and can be viewed at the Delphi Archaeological Museum. A simplified replica stands at the excavation site to help visitors visualize where it once stood in the sanctuary.
The stone once displayed gilded eagles and precious stones arranged in a special pattern. These elaborate decorations have disappeared over time but reveal how splendid the monument originally appeared.
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