Pythian Games - History

History

The historical timeframe of the Pythian Games starts 582 BCE, when the administration of the Games was handed over to the Delphic Amphiktyonia, a council of the twelve Greek tribes, to end the Holy War in the past. Since then they did not take place every eight years as in the past, but every four years, one year prior to the Olympic Games, presumably end-August.

In the beginning only musical contests were held in the Pythian Games then extended by singing to instrumental performances. These retained great importance as also in the other big Festivals, although with the new rearrangement of the Pythian even the gymnastic competitions and the chariot racing and horse riding found its introduction to the games.

During the Delphic Games, which lasted three months, the Holy Delphic Peace was announced. The ceasefire guaranteed the people – participants and spectators – to travel without risk to the Games and back to their homeland. The enthusiasm of the public is bequeathed. Scores of people flock out of entire Greece, bringing in substantial revenue to the city. The Agora, the Market took place during the Games, and became a very important significant emporium for the Arts.

In 394 CE Theodosius I, the Christian Roman Emperor (the seat of the Roman Empire was by then Constantinople, formerly Byzantium), banned the Delphic Games because it was not Christian.