Question

"We discussed in this week's lecture many of the unique and odd properties of the Oracle at Delphi. What was unusual about the orientation of the temple?"

a. It faced east.
b. It faced west.
c. It faced north.
d. It faced south.

Answer 1

The temple at the Oracle of Delphi had an unusual orientation that deviated from the typical eastward direction facing the rising sun, which was the standard for Greek temples. The correct option is a.

Step-by-step explanation:

When discussing the uniqueness of the temple orientation at the Oracle of Delphi, we consider the traditional Greek practice of temple construction. While it was conventional for Greek temples to face east towards the rising sun, this was not the case for the temple at Delphi.

Given the multiple references and examples, the uniqueness lies in the fact that the orientation of the temple is not specified to be in alignment with the usual eastward direction, suggesting a deviation from the norm.

Considering historical architectural practices, where orientations often had symbolic or practical significance, the temple at the Oracle of Delphi might have faced in a unique direction relevant to its own cultural or religious significance.

However, standard references such as the Parthenon's double colonnade facing east, and the mention of significant structures like the White Temple having entrances that did not directly align with the approach route, further imply a precedent for alternative orientations. The correct option is a.

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