The Lesche of the Knidians: A Reconstruction of the Building

Model of Lesche by E. Janis

Possible Reconstruction

From the archaeological remains and the description by Pausanias, it is possible to attempt to reconstruct the Lesche, but there are many problems that have yet to be answered. Most likely and according to Pausanias, the building would have been entered from the south. There is no archaeological evidence for this, the foundations of the southern wall disappeared with the edge of the terrace. The terra cotta roof would have been supported by eight wooden posts, held in place by the limestone blocks with circular sockets. The roof was, like most temples, double-pitched and accented with the carbonized terra cotta nike acroteria. Other terra cotta architectural elements with lotus and palmette motifs formed part of the sima. Benches for lounging surrounded the walls of the building. The lighting system of the Lesche is unknown.

Terra Cotta Roof Fragment

Lighting and Floor

The paintings would have required many light sources to illuminate the large murals. Clerestory windows located on the upper parts of the walls have been suggested as a possibility. Early reconstructions of the Lesche had an opening in the roof of the building, like an uncovered cella in a temple. Uncovered cellas are not uncommon and would allow for light, but Delphi is located high in the mountains and would have had its share of rain. It is unlikely that the paintings would have survived into the second century A.D. if constantly exposed to the elements. The blue plaster fragments were probably part of the dado, an area that bordered the paintings on both the top and bottom. It is also assumed that the floor was covered with the same blue plaster.