Clémentine Portier-Kaltenbach 4:45 p.m., May 05, 2022

In the year 399 BC, the Athenian philosopher Socrates (470/469-399) was condemned to death following a trial related by his disciple Plato (428/427-347).

But his execution is postponed, the sacred galley being absent from the port of Athens.

Every year the Athenians send a sacred embassy to Delos.

They thus wish to thank the god Apollo for having saved from the clutches of the Minotaur the young Athenians who were delivered to him as food.

However, in the absence of the sacred galley, the Athenian city must remain pure of all defilement.

Executions are therefore prohibited until his return.

In the spring of 399, it was seen off Cape Sounion.

The hour of Socrates has come...