ABSTRACT
This chapter examines several Plutarch's essays which concerns Delphi directly in order to get an understanding of both the sanctuary and the oracle during the late first and early second centuries AD, a time when Plutarch himself witnessed a change at Delphi. Plutarch's three essays, called the "Pythian" or "Delphic Dialogues", were written both at and about Delphi. The traditional order is De Pythiae Oraculis, De E apud Delphos, De Defectu Oraculorum. From the examination of Plutarch's essays, a contradictory picture of Delphi in the second century AD emerges: a perceived decline of the oracle alongside a bustling revival of the sanctuary. The examination of these essays provides a basis for understanding Plutarch's view of Delphi during his priesthood, and highlights the contradictory picture which he presents to us. This, in turn, shows that the sanctuary operated on two levels: the day-to-day operations, including the Pythian Games, and the oracle.
