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"It was the universal practice of the Greeks to undertake no matter of importance without first asking the advice of the gods; and there were many sacred spots in which the gods were always ready to give an answer to pious worshippers. The oracle of Apollo at Delphi surpassed all the rest in importance, and was regarded with veneration in every part of the Grecian world. In the center of the temple of Delphi there was a small opening in the ground from which it was said that a certain gas or vapour ascended. Whenever the oracle was to be consulted, a virgin priestess called <em>Pythia</em> took her seat upon a tripod which was placed over the chasm." &mdash; Smith, 1882

Tripod of Apollo

"It was the universal practice of the Greeks to undertake no matter of importance without first asking…

An ancient Greek town. In Greek mythology, the most important oracle resided at Delphi.

Delphi

An ancient Greek town. In Greek mythology, the most important oracle resided at Delphi.

"The oracular tripod at Delphi, having a flat round plate, on which the Pythia seated herself to give responses, and on which at other times lay a wreath of hay." &mdash; Anthon, 1891

Tripod of Delphi

"The oracular tripod at Delphi, having a flat round plate, on which the Pythia seated herself to give…