Hidden women of history: the priestess Pythia at the Delphic Oracle, who spoke truth to power

In a time and place that offered few career opportunities for women, the job of the priestess of Apollo at Delphi stands out.

• Julia Kindt
• The Conversation

Her position was at the centre of one of the most powerful religious institutions of the ancient world.

The competing Greek city states had few overarching authorities (political or otherwise), so the significance of her voice should not be underestimated.

Indeed, there is some evidence to suggest that the Pythia was at the core what we today call a “knowledge economy”.

Her role may well have involved the gathering, re-packaging, and distribution of information, with the…

• Hidden women of…