Siphnian Treasury

The Siphnian Treasury was a building at the Ancient Greek cult center of Delphi, erected to host the offerings of the polis, or city-state, of Siphnos [1]. It was one of many treasuries lining the "Sacred Way", the processional route through the Sanctuary of Apollo, erected to win the favor of the gods and increase the prestige of the donor polis [1]. The people of Siphnos had gained enormous wealth from their silver and gold mines in the Archaic period and used the tithe of their income to erect the treasury, the first religious structure made entirely out of marble [1]. The building was used to house many lavish votive offerings given to the priests for presentation to Apollo [1]. The plan of the treasury has two parts: a pronaos, or porch, and a cella, or enclosure [1]. The building is 8.27 metres long and 6.09 wide [1]. The east pediment of the treasury shows the story of Heracles stealing Apollo's tripod, which was strongly associated with his oracular inspiration [1].