Database: The Shape of a Palm Tree

Nicias, who liked to flaunt his wealth, made an offering of a bronze palm tree to Apollo in 417 BCE, during a splendid festival in Delos. The palm tree, associated with the birth of the god, was often found in shrines dedicated to him. This was because Apollo's mother gave birth to him at the foot of a palm tree, thus rendering it sacred to him. Unfortunately, Nicias's palm tree had a tragic end. It was decapitated during a storm, and in the process damaged the large statue of Apollo which was nearby.