The Oracle of Delphi Was More than a Legend

New archaeological evidence supports the factuality of the Greek legend about the prophet, or oracle, of Delphi.

According to legend, the site where the oracle would prophesy was discovered thousands of years ago by a goat herder. He found that his goats acted strangely at a crack or fissure in the rock. As he investigated the fissure, he breathed some of the fumes coming from it and was said to enter a prophetic state. Around 140 B.C., a temple was built over the fissure. Its centerpiece was a platform built over the fissure where for nearly 2000 years the oracle would speak forth.

Modern researchers considered the legend nothing more than a myth. However, geologists have found that two geological faults pass right beneath the temple site. They analyzed a calcium-rich rock called travertine deposited on the temple walls by a natural spring. Tiny bubbles in the travertine were filled with methane and ethane gas that can have small narcotic effects. Further, ethylene, which can bring about a dreamlike state, is still released by a nearby spring.

The idea that the ancients were gullible simpletons who easily accepted fantastic stories stems from evolution. Evolution claims that man has evolved upwards, eradicating the myths of his ancestors through science. The fact is, the theory of evolution is the worst of all possible myths and stands in the way of truth.

Jeremiah 29:9
“For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the LORD.”

Prayer:
Lord, never let me be misled from Your truth by false prophets. Amen.

Notes:
National Post Online, “The oracle of Delphi – high on ethylene?” Photo: View of Delphi, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.