women and religion - prophetesses in Greece and Rome Flashcards
Pythia, Sibyl
who was the most reliable prophet in Greece
Pythia (Oracle of Delphi)
who was the most reliable prophet in Rome
Sibyl
where did Pythia reside
at the sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi
what did Pythia do
she was the most reliable prophet so it was common for people to make pilgrims to see her and bring important decisions to her (put up on a pedestal)
who was also at the sanctuary
2 full time priests and attendants but Pythia told the prophecies (women chosen over a man - atypical)
what was consultation day
it was on the 7th
Pythia gave sacrifice to Apollo and allowed him to take over her body so people could speak to Apollo (ppl came for Apollo not Pythia)
how famous was Sibyl
she was so famous that Sibyl became the generic name for prophetic women
what were the Sibylline books
in times of need these would be consulted –> full of prophecies and advice from a famous Sibyl
the quindecimviri (highly educated because book was in Greek) were responsible for the book
however it is unknown if the book was written by Sibyl herself
