"The Sacred Way"

 road, ancient, archaeological site

The so-called Via Sacra was the road leading from the main altar in the temenos of Chios and the impressive temple of Apollo.
He had a ritual processional, as pilgrims and visitors who drove through the sacred precinct. The theopropoi, (those who wish to consult the oracle), went up the Via Sacra the ninth day of each month, to sacrifice an animal on the altar and wait for their turn to the response of the oracle.
The citizens of Corinth, Naxos, Chios and Thebes, and some famous people such as Philip II of Macedon, had received for special merits, promanteia, namely the right of priority in consultation with the Pythia and therefore did not have to wait their turn.
The Via Sacra, originated in ancient times, but was paved only in the late Roman era, with plates taken from abandoned buildings nearby, as at that time the houses that surrounded the sacred enclosure was gradually abandoned.
Visitors to the archaeological site today follow the same road, which for two hundred meters down the slope leads them to reach the altar and the monumental ruins of the temple. The road was lined with statues, podiums and treasures with offerings of many cities of Greece. These monuments usually commemorate important events, such as political alliances, major victories in the Delphic games or military victories, while some were simply dedicated to the god in gratitude for a verdict in favor of a city, family or staff.