The Oracle of Delphi
Delphic oracle, most famous ancient oracle, believed to deliver prophecies from the Greek god Apollo. She was based in his temple at Delphi, located on the slopes of Mt. Parnassusabove the Corinthian Gulf. The oracle, who at first was called Pytho (the original name of Delphi) and later Pythia, reached the height of her fame between about the 8th and 4th centuries BCE, when Apollo’s advice or sanction was sought by lawmakers, colonists, and founders of cults. The Pythia’s counsel was most in demand to forecast the outcome of projected wars or political actions.
According to tradition, the oracle first belonged to Mother Earth (Gaea) but later was either given to or stolen by Apollo. The Delphic medium was a woman over 50 who lived apart from her husband and dressed in a maiden’s clothes. Upon her death, a new priestess would be chosen, though the selection process is uncertain. Because the Pythia was said to communicate directly with Apollo, she was incredibly influential, so much so that several wars were waged over the oracle, with control of Delphi shifting between rival city-states. However, her power eventually began to wane, especially after Rome captured Delphi in the early 2nd century BCE. The Delphic oracle’s last prophecy was reportedly delivered about 393 CE, when the Roman emperor Theodosius I instituted various laws to end pagan activity.
