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Serpentine Column and Theodosius Obelisk
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Serpentine Column and Theodosius Obelisk
The three intertwined bronze serpents were the base of a trophy which once stood in the Temple of Apollo in Delphi. Dedicated to the God Apollo by the 31 Greek cities who defeated the Persians at Plataea in 479BC. The missing serpent heads are likely to have been broken off by a drunken member of the Polish Embassy one night in 1700. The upper part of one of the heads was found in 1847 and is now in the Archaeological Museum in Istanbul
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Media ID 4426529
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10268108
Apollo Broken Bronze Cities Delphi Drunken Embassy Heads I Ii Intertwined Member Obelisk Persians Pharaoh Polish Serpent Serpentine Serpents Theodosius Trophy Base Plataea Upper
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intriguing history of the Serpentine Column and Theodosius Obelisk, two ancient relics that have survived the test of time. The Serpentine Column, originally the base of a trophy dedicated to the God Apollo, once stood proudly in the Temple of Apollo in Delphi. The Greeks, who had defeated the Persians at Plataea in 479BC, dedicated this magnificent piece to their victorious cities. The intertwined bronze serpents represent the victory over the Persians and the power of the Pharaohs, with the heads of the Egyptian gods Tutmoses I and II adorning the top. However, the serene tranquility of this ancient artifact was shattered one fateful night in 1700 when a drunken member of the Polish Embassy in Istanbul broke off the heads of two serpents. The upper part of one head was later discovered in 1847 and is now housed in the Archaeological Museum in Istanbul. The Theodosius Obelisk, an Egyptian obelisk that was brought to Constantinople (now Istanbul) by the Roman Emperor Theodosius I in 390AD, stands majestically beside the Serpentine Column. The obelisk, made of black granite, is adorned with hieroglyphics and is a testament to the rich cultural exchange between Egypt and Rome. This image, captured by an unnamed photographer, offers a glimpse into the past, allowing us to marvel at the historical significance of these ancient relics and the stories they hold. The Serpentine Column and Theodosius Obelisk stand as a reminder of the enduring power of history and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.
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