Theban Treasury, Ancient treasury in Delphi, Greece

The Theban Treasury is a rectangular Doric building of local bluish-grey limestone from the quarries of St. Elias near Chrisso. It measures 12.29 by 7.21 meters and stands on a two-step crepis a few meters below the first turn of the Sacred Way. A frieze of metopes and triglyphs runs around it; current views suggest a uniform structure without columns, possibly with two entrances on the narrow sides and an opening in the western wall for light.

The Thebans dedicated the treasury after defeating the Lacedaemonians at the Battle of Leuctra in 371 BC, the victory that opened their brief supremacy in Greek politics. It was the largest treasury at Delphi, set near the southwest corner of the sanctuary of Apollo.

The structure reflects how communities marked military victories by giving offerings at sacred places. You can see here a physical expression of how warfare and religion were intertwined in ancient life.

The building sits along the main path through the sanctuary, making it easy to visit without detours. Information panels nearby help you understand the structure and its role within the larger site.

The treasury's bluish-grey limestone came from the quarries of St. Elias near Chrisso, and its hard quality sets the building apart from the marble monuments around it. The stone was chosen for the largest treasury at Delphi, measuring 12.29 by 7.21 metres.