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Early Investigations
Trial trenches, limited tools
Initial efforts in 1840 and 1860 focused on the Polygonal Wall and other visible remains
Limited in scope and depth; mostly trial trenches and surface explorations by Greek and foreign archaeologists.
The 1870 earthquake damaged Kastri village, sparking renewed interest. Rudimentary techniques, limited stratigraphic analysis.
Focused on visible structures, not deeper layers. Set the stage for more systematic work by confirming the location of ancient Delphi. -
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The Great Excavation
French-led, large-scale, systematic, relocation of Kastri village. The village of Kastri was literally built on top of ancient Delphi’s ruins, with inhabitants living among and reusing ancient materials.
Photographic evidence from the late 19th century documents this unique coexistence before the village was relocated for excavation. Methodological Innovations
Relocation of Kastri village
Large-scale excavation
Use of a mini-railway to clear debris.
Systematic recording and documentation -
Discoveries of the Great Excavation
Key Discoveries Discovery and documentation of major monuments, including the Temple of Apollo, the Athenian Treasury, the Sacred Way, the Tholos of Athena Pronaia, and significant sculptures such as the Charioteer of Delphi and the Sphinx of Naxos. Cultural Impact
Franco-Greek collaboration; reinforced Delphi’s Panhellenic significance.
Uncovered the core of the ancient sanctuary and established the foundation for modern Delphi archaeology -
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World Wars
World War I brought a halt to work at Delphi, and despite its not being on a front line, made it once again an unsafe place thanks to local sectarian violence: one French scholar of the time recalled seeing three severed heads on display in the local town square. This museum was inaugurated in 1939. The antiquities were placed according to a chronological order and the plaster casts were removed. The outbreak of World War II led to the antiquities being buried or transferred to Athens. -
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20th Century
Greek-led, stratigraphy, interdisciplinary approaches Post-Great Excavation Work
Greek-led excavations focused on peripheral areas (gymnasium, stadium).
Methodological Shifts
Stratigraphic, layer-by-layer analysis.
Interdisciplinary approaches: epigraphy, numismatics, art history.
Notable Finds
Sphinx of Naxos (560 BCE), 2.2m limestone statue.
Golden offerings from the Alkmeonid Temple (6th century BCE). -
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Geological and Interdisciplinary Revelations
In the late 1990s, Jelle de Boer discovered that two geological faults intersect directly beneath the temple.
This intersection could allow gases from underground to rise to the surface Spring water and travertine deposits showed ethylene gas, known to induce trance states.
Experimental replication matched ancient accounts of the Pythia’s behaviour. Earlier archaeologists dismissed vapour accounts due to lack of volcanic activity; -
Period: to
21st Century
Technology Integration
Integration of new technologies and scientific methods.
Laser scanning, 3D modelling.
Carbon-14 dating, material science.
Ongoing Research
Reassessment of older finds
Environmental studies of the Pleistos Valley. Delphi Archaeological Museum: over 6,000 objects, including Daedalic Apollo and Antinous. Provided new insights into the functioning of the oracle, the site's geology, and the preservation of monuments; continues to shape our understanding of Delphi today