Apollo and his twin sister Artemis were illegitimate children of the supreme god Zeus and the less known goddess Leto. Apollo was the god of music, poetry, medicine and prophecy. Often he is also identified with the sun god under the name Phoibos. His cult was furthermore connected with military and athletic training of young men. The god is always depicted as a young man with harmonious beauty and often with long hair.

The most important Apollo sanctuary was located at Delphi, where the god gave oracles and where the Pythian games were held in his honour. Because of his link with music and poetry the musical events were the most important part of these games. Also the Actia, games founded by the emperor Augustus, were held in honour of Apollo.