Apollo at Delphi in the 4th century

Apart from the temple pediments, patiently reconstructed by Francis Croissant, the image of Apollo at Delphi in the 4th century has remained largely unknown until now. Following a re-examination of the central figures of these pediments, we present a new redistribution and reinterpretation. The resulting inversion of the representations of Apollo and Dionysus can be explained, in our view, by a general programme which also concerns the central acroterion figure of the eastern pediment. In this new proposal, we include a monumental statue of Apollo, which we believe stood on the large base of the opisthodom. The observation of the stone interpreted as an omphalos and recently replaced at the top of the acanthus column leads us to recognize a non-figurative representation of the god, recalling the Agyieis known in Cyrene and Apollonia of Illyria. This new reading of the monument leads us to identify it with the Sitalkas of thirty-five cubits known by Pausanias. In addition, we reinterpret a foundation formerly attributed to the monument of Aristaineta as a base for two statues, also contemporary with the completion of the temple.