Γλυπτό Ομφαλός της Γης, Delphi Travel Guide

The Omphalos of Delphi stands as a powerful reminder of the ancient world's perception of Delphi as the center of the cosmos. In Greek, *omphalos* means 'navel,' and this sacred stone marked the spot where, according to legend, Zeus determined to be the Earth's midpoint. He did so by releasing two eagles from opposite ends of the world, and their paths intersected above Delphi.The Omphalos on display today is believed to be a copy of the original, which was housed inside the Temple of Apollo. The marble-carved stone features a knotted net carving covering its surface and a hollow center. It is thought that the original Omphalos was adorned with precious stones and covered by a mesh of wool cloth. Pausanias, a writer who traveled to Delphi in the 2nd century AD, described the stone as having gilded eagles fixed on top.The Omphalos also represents the stone that Rhea gave to Cronus wrapped in swaddling clothes to trick him into thinking it was Zeus, saving Zeus from being devoured by his father. The stone holds a place in mythology and symbolizes Apollo's capacity as the god of divination.