The Stadium of Delphi is tucked high up the mountain slopes of Mount Parnassus above the main sanctuary complex. Originally cleared out of the hillside in the 5th century BC and later monumentalized with limestone tiered seating by the wealthy benefactor Herodes Atticus in the 2nd century AD, this impressive 178-meter-long track could host up to 7,000 spectators. It served as the grand stage for the running events and combat sports of the Pythian Games, the second most important Panhellenic festival after the Olympics.