Pythia (; Ancient Greek: Πυθία [pyːˈtʰíaː]) was the title of the high priestess of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi in central Greece. She served as its oracle and was known as the Oracle of Delphi. Her title was sometimes historically glossed in English as the Pythoness.
The Pythia was established at the latest in the 8th century BC (though some estimates date the shrine to as early as 1400 BC), and was widely credited for her prophecies uttered under divine possession (enthusiasmos) by Apollo. The Pythian priestess emerged as pre-eminent by the end of the 7th century BC and continued to be consulted until the late 4th century AD. During this period, the Delphic Oracle was the most prestigious and authoritative oracle among the Greeks, and she was among the most powerful women of the classi...
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Detail from Archaeological Site of Delphi, Greece
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Archaeological Site of Delphi by Joy of Museums, for information, see www.joyofmuseums.com
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The priestess of the oracle at ancient Delphi, Greece.
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Omphalos in Delphi archeologic museum
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The Temple of Apollo in Delphi was in the centre of the sanctuary and was where the consultations wi...
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Heinrich Leutemann's The Oracle of Delphi Entranced.label QS:Len,"Heinrich Leutemann's The Oracle of...