Apollo in Context

The worship of Apollo was widespread not only in Greece but also throughout the ancient world. Shrines could be found in places from Egypt to Anatolia (now northwestern Turkey). The Romans built their first temple to Apollo in 432 bce, and he became a favorite Roman god. The Roman emperor Augustus was a devoted worshiper because the battle of Actium, in which he gained political supremacy, was fought near a temple of Apollo.

The worship ofApollo began outside ofGreece. Early cults associated with the god developed in Asia Minor and in the lands north of Greece. Several tales link him to the city ofTroy. One credits him with helping the sea god Poseidon (pronounced poh-SYE-dun) build the walls of Troy.

Scholars think that Apollo’s original role may have been as protector of herdsmen and shepherds. He is often pictured holding a lyre, which is

In many tales, Apollo attempts to win the heart of the woman he loves. In one story, the nymph Daphne turns into a laurel tree to escape Apollo’s advances, as shown here. ERICH LESSING/ ART RESOURCE, NY.

A type of harp, and shepherds were known for playing music to pass their idle hours. Apollo’s identification as god of music, archery, and medicine came after his oracle was established at Delphi. Only much later did he become the sun god.

Apollo represents “the light,” both literal (the sun) and metaphorical, as in the light of reason and the intellect. Apollo’s popularity clearly shows how important learning and the intellect were to the Greeks. They valued their soldiers, to be sure, but they also valued their thinkers. Philosophers, inventors, scientists, and artists all occupied places of honor in Greek society.